Episode No. 5 recap: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 19: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn’

Episode No. 5 of “The Ultimate Fighter 19: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn” opens with Team Penn’s Josh Clark and Team Edgar’s Cory Anderson, who fight later in the episode, separately discussing their upcoming matchup and how they plan to win.

At the next Team Penn training session, coach B.J. Penn explains the importance of rebounding after Tim Williams suffered the team’s first loss of the season. There’s a belief the team is overtraining, and Penn wants everyone to tone it down.

The next day, rival coach Frankie Edgar takes his team on a hike to Mt. Charleston for what was originally planned as an off-day. Some of the team members complain about the hike, saying they would have preferred the rest.

As Clark prepares, the Team Penn coaches are concerned about his confidence issues heading into the fight. Clark is viewed as being too complacent, and the coaches encourage him to boost his intensity.

With Anderson finalizing his preparation, the coaching staff praises his quick development in the house. Anderson had only fought professionally for seven months leading into the show, but he feels he has what it takes to win the coveted six-figure UFC contract.

Anderson and Clark hit the 206-pound light-heavyweight mark at the weigh-in, making official the second of the season’s four quarterfinal matchups in the weight class.

TEAM PENN’S JOSH CLARK (5-1) VS. TEAM EDGAR’S CORY ANDERSON (3-0)

Round 1 – Clark opens with an overhand right, and he keeps active with his jab as Anderson stays patient. Anderson counters with a straight right. Clark lands an overhand in response, but Anderson shoots in on a single-leg takedown and briefly takes down his opponent. Clark gets back up, and Anderson presses him against the cage. Anderson gets another takedown, but Clark again manages to get back up. As they restart, Anderson is hesitant to commit to his strikes and is eating counter shots. He then shoots for a takedown against the cage and slams Clark to the ground. Anderson advances to the crucifix position, but he can’t keep it. Clark recovers to guard and rolls for a leg lock. Anderson defends well, and Clark manages to scramble back to his feet. After a brief striking exchange, Anderson scores his third takedown of the round and closes by throwing punches from half guard.

Round 2 – Anderson fails on an early takedown attempt, and Clark then lands a hard right hand followed by a knee. Anderson shakes it off and scores his first takedown of the second round and fourth of the fight overall. He then attempts to create separation for ground-and-pound, but Clark does a good job of tying him up. Clark tries to roll for an armbar from the bottom, but Anderson displays strong defense. The referee eventually calls for a standup. Clark rushes inside and lands an uppercut. Clark slips on a leg kick, and Anderson capitalizes by jumping on top. Anderson works to advance but can’t pass Clark’s guard. Clark then rolls for another leg lock but can’t get it. Anderson moves to mount, and Clark gives up his back. He rolls over again, and the round ends with Anderson throwing powerful strikes from mount.

Cory Anderson def. Josh Clark via unanimous decision

With Anderson’s victory, Team Edgar registers its second consecutive win, bringing the head-to-head tally with Team Penn to 2-2 overall through four fights. Team Edgar will have the chance to take the lead in the competition next week, when they have control of fight selection for the next middleweight quarterfinal.

Head coach Edgar selects the team’s No. 1 middleweight pick, Ian Stephens, to take on Team Penn’s No. 4 pick, Roger Zabata.

Catch new episodes of “The Ultimate Fighter 19: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn” every Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on FOX Sports 1. MMAjunkie recaps each episode of the reality series.