'The Ultimate Fighter 14' finale preview
The 14th season of "The Ultimate Fighter" culminates Saturday in Las Vegas with two finals on tap, in addition to a clash between coaches Michael Bisping and Jason Miller.
Here's a closer look:
Michael Bisping (21-3) vs. Jason Miller (24-7)
This season's coaches are set to square off in a key five-round middleweight headliner.
Bisping, 32, was last seen in February, beating Jorge Rivera by second-round TKO before spitting on Rivera's corner as an emotional response to his pre-fight trash talk.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Bisping was fined for his actions and reprimanded by UFC president Dana White.
Though he may not be making many friends with his audacious attitude, Bisping has been turning in quality performances in the Octagon.
Since winning the third season of "The Ultimate Fighter" in 2006, Bisping has amassed notable wins over Matt Hamill, Chris Leben, Denis Kang, Dan Miller and Yoshihiro Akiyama, while dropping fights to top-ranked opposition such as Rashad Evans, Dan Henderson and Wanderlei Silva.
Anchored at Wolfslair MMA Academy in the U.K., Bisping trains alongside Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Cheick Kongo. The Cyprus native is a talented boxer with underrated wrestling and a slick ground game, primarily off his back. Moreover, Bisping possesses excellent conditioning, which could sway the five-round stipulation in his favor.
In his November 2007 bout with current light heavyweight contender Evans, Bisping took down the former NCAA Division I wrestler on multiple occasions in a tight split decision loss.
Miller, 30, is finally making his UFC return after fighting for the organization only once in April 2005, dropping a unanimous decision to current UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre.
Since his departure, Miller has put together a solid streak competing for numerous organizations, including Icon Sport, Dream and Strikeforce.
Among his biggest accomplishments, Miller submitted Falaniko Vitale, Robbie Lawler and Kazushi Sakuraba, while going the distance in fights with Tim Kennedy and Jake Shields. Miller outpointed Kennedy in their December 2007 meeting, but he dropped a hard-fought decision in a Strikeforce middleweight title bout against Shields in November 2009.
Miller nearly did the unthinkable in the third round of his fight with Shields, sinking in a tight rear-naked choke as time expired. Miller was outpointed down the stretch, but he proved his worth as a top title contender and one of the most dangerous middleweights in the game.
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Miller is based at Kings MMA and Reign Training Center where he benefits from training with an assortment of top fighters, including Fabricio Werdum, Muhammed Lawal and Mark Munoz.
Miller has been inactive since his September 2010 submission win over the legendary Sakuraba in Japan, which creates the potential of ring rust. However, his work ethic in the gym and arduous training schedule will likely mean he will be in top form for his long-awaited UFC return.
In terms of weapons, Bisping has more to offer. The British banger is a better striker and his ground game is often overlooked. Miller has an advantage if the fight hits the canvas, but Bisping is fully capable of holding his own and avoiding bad positions.
Bisping must be mindful not to move in the direction of his adversary's power punches, a common mistake in some of his recent outings. If he can utilize his footwork and jab to break Miller down, he will be successful.
Bisping should maintain a frantic pace over 25 minutes, relying primarily on his sharp boxing skills to pick Miller apart en route to a triumphant decision.
Verdict: Bisping via decision
Dennis Bermudez (7-2) vs. Diego Brandao (13-7)
The featherweight final of "The Ultimate Fighter" pits a well-rounded American wrestler against a dangerous Brazilian striker.
Bermudez, 24, was submitted in his last two professional fights against Drew Fickett and Jordan Rinaldi.
However, the former NCAA Division I All-American has looked sensational during his stint on the show, stopping Jimmie Rivera, Stephen Bass and Akira Corassani.
Brandao, 24, a product of Greg Jackson's school in New Mexico, carried a three-fight winning streak into "The Ultimate Fighter" house, in addition to a 2008 TKO victory over UFC welterweight veteran Brian Foster. He recorded emphatic knockouts of Jesse Newell, Steven Siler and Bryan Caraway to earn his spot in the finals.
The Brazilian possesses a dangerous muay thai base, which gives him a clear-cut advantage over Bermudez.
Bermudez will need to utilize his takedowns to control Brandao over three rounds. Meanwhile, Brandao will look to sprawl and punish Bermudez with his strikes. If he can keep the fight upright, Brandao should add another sizzling knockout to his highlight reel.
Verdict: Brandao via KO, Round 2
John Dodson (11-5) vs. T.J. Dillashaw (4-0)
The first bantamweight "TUF" champion will be crowned as "The Magician" looks to end the undefeated streak of "The Viper."
Dodson, 27, has competed primarily at 125 pounds before making the jump to bantamweight. A member of Greg Jackson's team, Dodson continues to round out his game, which relies heavily on a foundation in amateur wrestling.
The New Mexico native punched his ticket to the finals with wins over Brandon Merkt, John Albert and Johnny Bedford.
Dillashaw, 25, has yet to taste defeat in his career with four wins as a professional and victories over Matt Jaggers, Roland Delorme and Dustin Pague on this season of "The Ultimate Fighter."
The former NCAA Division I wrestler is based at Team Alpha Male in California, where his training partners and coaches include Urijah Faber, Joseph Benavidez and Chad Mendes.
Dodson is a dynamic kickboxer with skills in all areas. But Dillashaw is a more accomplished wrestler, which could be the difference maker.
If Dillashaw sticks to a tactical game plan and dictates where the fight takes place, he should eke out a hard-fought decision.
Verdict: Dillashaw via decision
Tony Ferguson (12-2) vs. Yves Edwards (41-17-1)
In an intriguing lightweight pairing, the winner of the last season of "The Ultimate Fighter" will face his stiffest test to date when he takes on a battle-tested warrior.
Ferguson, 27, knocked out Ramsey Nijem to win the 13th installment of "The Ultimate Fighter" this past June.
The former NCAA Division II wrestler and DeathClutch Gym pupil broke Aaron Riley's jaw in his sophomore UFC appearance, improving his promotional record to 2-0.
Edwards, 35, is a true pioneer of the lighter weight classes in mixed martial arts. Having made his UFC debut in September 2001, Edwards has fought some of the best talent the division has to offer, including Sam Stout, Duane Ludwig, K.J. Noons, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Stevenson, Hermes Franca, Josh Thomson, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Caol Uno. Clearly, the edge in experience lies solidly in Edwards' court.
A longtime member of American Top Team in Florida, the Bahamian American is coming off a strong showing in which he dismantled Brazilian Rafaello Oliveira by second-round TKO this past October.
Edwards is a threat anywhere the fight goes with a versatile skillset at his disposal. Ferguson continues to build on his wrestling base by improving his hands, but Edwards marks a drastic step up in competition from his previous opponents.
Ferguson could have some early success with his takedowns, but Edwards should have the last laugh as he sinks in a fight-ending submission.
Verdict: Edwards via Submission, Round 2
