Episode No. 12 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption'

Episode No. 12 of “The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption” opens with coach T.J. Dillashaw introducing the arrival of special guest coach Tim Elliott, who won Season 24 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.

Elliott has trained in Colorado with Dillashaw and Duane Ludwig in the past and is also a good friend of Team Dillashaw’s James Krause, who is tentatively scheduled to fight Team Dillashaw’s Jesse Taylor later in the episode.

Both fighters begin preparation for the second semifinal, which will determine who fights Dhiego Lima on Friday at The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale. There’s still uncertainty around Krause’s eye, though, as he has yet to be officially cleared for competition after suffering a cornea scratch in his quarterfinal win.

Several fighters are staying prepared in the event Krause cannot fight. Krause visits the doctor, and after some tests, he’s granted clearance for his bout with Taylor.

Krause is thrilled to “put the drama behind” and finally be able to place 100 percent of his focus on the upcoming fight.

Back at the “TUF” house, Elliott and Zak Cummings visit to spend some time with their friend, Krause, ahead of his fight. Many of the eliminated athletes begin to indulge in the free alcohol supply, and while outside some words are exchanged between Elliott and Team Garbrandt’s Seth Baczynski. That leads to Baczynski throwing a water bottle at Elliott just before the fighters return inside the house.

Baczynski and Julian Lane grow frustrated with Elliott’s talking, and they crowd the flyweight fighter. Lane repeatedly pushes Elliott, who begins laughing and mocks Lane’s infamous, “Let me bang, bro” moment. The situation essentially explodes with a lot of shoving and even some punch attempts. Eventually an extremely heated Lane and Justin Edwards force Elliott and Cummings to leave the house.

The frustration continues inside, though, with Baczynski confronting Krause over the fact his friends and training partners from outside the competition were at the house. There’s more physicality between them, with Baczynski pushing Krause in the face before being separated.

Taylor, who is scheduled to fight Krause later in the episode, is holding his upcoming opponent back and attempting to keep him calm. Krause eventually walks away from the situation and returns to his room where he can focus on his upcoming fight.

At the official weigh-ins, Krause and Taylor come in under the required 171-pound welterweight limit.

Fight day arrives, and after warmups take place in the locker rooms, both fighters enter the octagon for the final “TUF 25” semifinal bout.

Team Dillashaw’s James Krause (23-7) vs. Team Dillashaw’s Jesse Taylor (30-15)

Round 1 – Krause opens with a front kick to the body. Krause changes levels and scores with a single leg takedown. Taylor gets right back up and attacks with a takedown of his own. Krause attempts to scramble but Taylor keeps top position. Taylor lands a hard elbow and some short ground and pound while Krause begins primary submission attacks. Taylor’s top control is solid for the time being, but Krause catches him overly aggressive and sweeps into top position. Krause is now the one on top peppering his opponent with strikes before Taylor gives up his back. He turns over before Krause can do anything with it, and Taylor is on top. Taylor lands a flurry of hard blows, which forces Krause to work for an escape. He gets to his feet, but Taylor is glued to him and immediately secures another takedown. Taylor batters Krause from on top until the end of the round.

Round 2 – Krause opens with a body kick, but Taylor immediately goes for the takedown. After a brief struggle Taylor gets on top and moves Krause’s body toward the fence where he can work his strikes. Taylor advances to half guard and delivers a steady stream of offense, which prevents a stand-up and Krause is doing little to get off his back. There are several scramble, but each time Taylor finds a way to end up with top control. Krause is cut open on his forehead from Taylor’s strikes. Taylor puts in solid work for the remainder of the round to close out one of the most lopsided rounds of the season.

Round 3 – Krause throws a head kick to open the round, which falls just short. To no surprise, Taylor immediately closes the distance and makes good on a takedown near the fence. Krause is clearly more desperate to stay off his back, but Taylor’s strength and control is an utter nightmare. Taylor eventually advances to Krause’s back, then takes the mount. Taylor locks his arms under Krause’s neck for a guillotine choke and uses all his leverage until Krause goes unconscious, and the referee steps in to stop the fight.

Jesse Taylor def. James Krause via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3

Taylor, who made the finals during Season 7 of “The Ultimate Fighter” but was pulled from the finale due to an outside-the-cage incident, is absolutely thrilled with his victory.

“I can’t believe this is happening again – incredible,” Taylor says after his victory. “I finally finished the job; it’s been nine years in the making. I feel exuberant. I couldn’t be more proud of myself. I couldn’t ask for more. It’s like a dream.”

Taylor joins Lima at The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale on Friday’s FS1-televised card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Early prelims stream on UFC Fight Pass.

Taylor and Lima have a staredown inside the octagon before the episode comes to a close.

Also see:

• Episode No. 1 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 2 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 3 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 4 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 5 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 6 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 7 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 8 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 9 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 10 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’
• Episode No. 11 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption’

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, visit the UFC Rumors section of the site.