The Ultimate Fighter 32 wrapped up at UFC Vegas 96 on Saturday, with both the featherweight and middleweight finals playing out – the latter of which featured Ryan Loder and Robert Valentin.
While coaches Alexa Grasso and Valetina Shevchenko were set to face off a third time next month, one of Loder and Valentin would earn themselves a spot in the UFC on Saturday in the middleweight finale.
Loder started the fight with a high kick into an upper-body takedown. Valentin got his legs up and threatened with a submission quickly. He used it to almost get to his feet but Loder put him down. Loder was locking in a scarfhold armlock but Valentin scrambled and took the back. Valentin flattened out Loder and went for the rear-naked choke. Loder survived but Valentin still had the body triangle. Valentin went after the rear-naked choke again but Loder fought the wrist and turned towards Valentin getting on top. With a minute left Loder didn’t deal much damage but ended the round on top.
In round two Loder was after the takedown right away. Valentin used the wizard but tried to step over the back and Loder landed on top. Loder got Valentin in the crucifix and was smashing with some short elbows. Valentin couldn’t get out of the position and eventually, the ref saw enough. That gave Ryan Loder the TKO win, and TUF 32 crown at middleweight!
Official Result: Ryan Loder def. Robert Valentin by TKO (elbows), Round 2, 1:49
