Episode 4 of The Ultimate Fighter 33 started with the introduction of a familiar face and former champion, Matt Serra. Serra stopped by to coach Team Sonnen and talk about his past TUF and UFC success.
“When I was a contestant on Season 4, I had the right mindset, and I didn’t put pressure on myself. I looked at it like a six-week gladiator training camp. I would just take it one fight at a time, and it worked out.” Serra said, reflecting on his time with the show.
California’s Jeff Creighton was showcased first, detailing his close relationship with his wife and family. “At some point, I want to be able to take care of my mom and dad. They’ve sacrificed a lot for me, without them, I wouldn’t have gotten this far, I know that.”
Ireland’s Andreeas Binder is up next, where a significant narrative of the episode was the grappling disparity in the fight. Binder’s training in Ireland had little focus on grappling, and with Creighton being an experienced and high-level grappler, the stylistic matchup worried Team Sonnen, but not Binder. When speaking about the matchup, however, Binder expressed confidence, “He’s very strong, he’s done wrestling growing up. I don’t really care, I just focus on myself. I can adjust in a split second, and I can put your lights out in a split second.”
Creighton seemed unworried about his supposed grappling advantage: “I’ve really been working on just using good, clean boxing to close the distance. I just wanna get my hands on ’em and make it a dirty fight, make it a real fight.”
Chaos Erupts on Fight Day
The vibe evidently changes in the episode when the focus shifts towards Binder’s struggles with his weight cut. Following the prioritization of his health, weight is no longer being cut. Chael Sonnen negotiated a pay of $2,500 per pound of weight missed with Jeff Creighton, and the fight was underway with Creighton being paid $12,500 for Binder’s weight miss. At face-offs, Creighton left Binder with a chilling statement, “You gave up on yourself earlier, you’re gonna give up tomorrow too.” A haunting statement based on Binder’s previous struggles with bullying.
The Ultimate Fighter 33: Andreaas Binder vs. Jeff Creighton
Creighton started the fight pressing the action as he planned with a smashing rear body kick and some slick jabs. Binder stayed patient, looking to defend takedowns and counter when he saw an opening. After seeing that opening, Binder went on the front foot and applied serious pressure, stunning Creighton with looping hooks against the cage. After a second defended takedown, Binder grew more confident and started to flow with his striking. He caught a kick from Creighton and dropped him to the floor, storming the Team Cormier fighter with heavy ground and pound. An armbar attempt from Creighton was fended off, and Binder maintained control of the round until a late elbow against the cage opened a nasty gash on Binder’s forehead.
Creighton looked to initiate his grappling more in Round 2, using his kicks to move into clinching range. He found success just under a minute into the round, taking Binder down and securing instant back control. Creighton landed some big ground and pound before securing a body triangle and looking for a choke. Due to the amount of blood coming from Binder’s now pouring cut, Creighton was unable to squeeze the choke despite having his hands under the chin. Team Sonnen was sure the third round would follow, making the costly mistake of telling Binder to just survive the round. Binder did just that and even landed some punches from his back, but it wasn’t enough. Surprisingly, to the shock of everyone, including Team Cormier, a decision was ready to be announced. The fighters were gathered, and Jeff Creighton was declared the winner by Majority Decision.
That wraps up a chaotic and reminiscent episode 4 of TUF 33. We’ll recap each episode from the season as the show unfolds.
