TUF 17: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen
Everyone loves an underdog story.
Just like Amir Sadollah in Season 7, [autotag]Kelvin Gastelum[/autotag]’s run may be equally impressive. The second to last pick overall, young Gastelum was underrated by everyone.
He didn’t boast the typical fighter physique, and spent the beginning of the season giddy at the opportunity to meet Ronda Rousey. But make no mistake about it, Gastelum meant business and his run proved why he’s one of the best fighters to ever come out of the show.
Gastelum was coached by Chael Sonnen, who may be the “Bad Guy,” but somehow got along with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones throughout the season.
While it’s nice to see some heated rivalries between coaches, both Sonnen and Jones were very committed to coaching the fighters, including Uriah Hall, the late Josh Samman and Zak Cummings.
On the opposite end of the final bracket was Hall, whom everyone expected to make it for a reason. He was the owner of not only the greatest knockout in “Ultimate Fighter,” history but perhaps one of the best in the company’s history period. Hall delivered a spinning back kick knockout over Adam Cella in the preliminary round that left everyone stunned in silence.
He followed it up with two equally devastating performances, making it to the final against Team Sonnen teammate Gastelum. Although he lost to Gastelum in the final, the two became good friends and training partners.