TUF 15 Episode 2 Recap: Picking sides

As we enter the second episode there a lot of things seem similar to prior seasons. The narrator is picking out guys who have looked impressive so far like Justin Lawrence, and Micheal Chiesa. All the combatants are let loose in the house to make a mad dash for places to sleep. Then, of course, there is a few who start boozin’ it up. It never fails, if you stick a bunch of guys with ages ranging from 16-40 in a house that’s secluded; alcohol will find its way into the equation.

Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber then bring all the athletes together to make team picks. Dana White conducts the coin flip to decide who gets the first choice, and it goes to Urijah. He decides to use it for the first fight pick, and Cruz makes the aforementioned Lawrence this season’s top pick. Faber names James Vick from team Cruz to take on Darren Cruickshank in the initial match up. (The list for each side is at the bottom of the page.)

After the team picks and fight announcements a bomb is dropped injected into the script for Michael Chiesa. His father who was ill for the last year passed away a couple days after he saw his son make it into the house. Michael’s demeanor immediately changes, and he becomes visibly distraught. After he heads back to the house he confides in his long time friend Sam Sicilia about the situation he’s facing, and Sam seems to be able to calm his grieving pal down a little bit. Dana then makes an appearance to let Chiesa know he can go home for his father’s services, but at the same time Michael reassures Dana that he will be back as this is what his Father wanted. When Michael returns a day later his path is clear; win this show for Dad.

Before the fight starts were given a little glimpse into the personalized training for Vick and Cruickshank. Urijah instills Darren with the info that he is the more experienced fighter, and to remember to let his athleticism take over. Cruz and Lloyd Irvin give Vick pointers on keeping angles plus making sure his work rate stays high. Lloyd then shows him a multitude of chokes if the bout hits the floor. Both are well prepared heading into the cage.

Fight time:

They come out for the first round not doing much. Both seem to be willing to let the other make the first mistake, as both seem overly cautious. Cruickshank then starts to land a little bit as his work rate rises, and he seems to grow in confidence. More kicks land for Darren, but James just seems to be waiting to counter. Vick gets his wish when Cruickshank shoots an ill-timed takedown directly into a waiting high kick modified into a knee. Darren goes unconscious immediately (but is up and well when the official decision is read).

James Vick defeats Darren Cruickshank by KO (knee) in Round 1 (2:16)

Dominick then throws a bit of a wrinkle in to the festivities when he announces of first pick Justin Lawrence will fight against any guy on Urijah’s team. Faber then looks to his team for somebody to step up, unfortunately nobody does. Cruz makes the decision for him in the end; Justin Lawrence will take on Cristiano Marcello in the second fight for Season 15.

Cruz wins the first round of head games with Urijah.

Team Cruz

1. Justin Lawrence
2. Sam Sicilia
3. Myles Jury
4. Mike Rio
5. James Vick
6. Vinc Pichel
7. Chris Tickle
8. Jeremy Larsen

Team Faber

1. Al Iaquinta
2. Cristiano Marcello
3. Daron Cruickshank
4. Joe Proctor
5. Mike Chiesa
6. John Cofer
7. Andy Ogle
8. Chris Saunders