Little is needed in the way of setup for Episode No. 3 of "The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights."The hype has come to an end, and it's time for Team Rampage's Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson to meet Team Rashad's Roy Nelson.
As the episode opens, we see a reflective Slice discussing the emotional and spiritual journey that the season has already become for him. Slice even considers that the enemies he's always felt attacked him were generated more by his "inner me," and that there may come a time when the beard is shaved and Slice is put to rest, leaving Ferguson in control.
It's a moment of honest reflection that may come as a surprise to those Slice as a simple street thug.
Meanwhile, back at the house, several cast members consider just how big of a fight this matchup really is. In a different time, a different place, the bout could have earned both pugilists a hefty payday. Here, it's just about moving one step closer to the UFC.
At the gym, coach Rashad Evans shares a bit of insight regarding his fighter. While "Big Country" has appeared a bit difficult to deal with in the opening two episodes, Evans explains that Nelson is simply an independent personality who doesn't easily offer his trust to others.
Evans, who selected the matchup between Nelson and Slice, explains that he felt the former IFL champ's experience was a key reason why he could succeed. Fighting Slice is enough to put pressure on anyone, and Evans feels Nelson is prepared to handle it.
Before the fight, Evans' teammate Keith Jardine shows up to the training facility. The mixture of Evans, Jardine and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at the facility immediately starts a bit of friendly trash talking, though it quickly escalates when "Sugar" prods Jackson. It's a rivalry that unfortunately no longer matters, and the tension of the scene – even as Jackson accuses Evans of ducking him – loses a bit of fire when you realize the anticipated fight won't come to fruition.
Fellow Greg Jackson product James McSweeney does find himself embroiled in the scene, and the bickering nearly turns to blows. Evans stands between the two, and the scene ends without a physical altercation.
After a quick break, we see Slice preparing for the bout under the supervision of Jackson and assistant coach Tiki Ghosn. The team is working to help Slice escape when mounted, but the coaches seem to disagree on the best strategy for the striker to use.
Jackson uses the session to take a few more swipes at Nelson's physique, but the coaches also seem to be giving Slice several different potential strategies to use. Slice insists it's not too overwhelming.
Back at the house, Nelson's team is confident in his chances on the feet, comparing Slice's head movement to that of a bobblehead. Nelson discusses the benefits of the crucifix position to his team and how counting the blows as they land forces the match referee into action. Time will tell if this is creative foreshadowing.
Back at the gym the next morning, Team Rampage is working hard. One member is forced to bow out of the session a bit early, and Jackson quickly wonders where Marcus Jones has gone.
Jones is nursing a knee injury, though his attitude quickly changes when another Team Rampage member says he wants to fight after Slice. Jones is irate, claiming he should be next in line to compete. There's a few tense moments between Jones and Jackson, but the situation is quickly diffused. Jones admits that despite his massive size, he's a bit of a sensitive soul. Flowers play an important role in his day-to-day life. Seriously.
Slice and Jones are seen discussing their backgrounds, and the two admit they've developed a strong bond. Slice says it's important for him to stay humble regardless of his feats, claiming "A bird that flies high must eventually come to the earth for water."
Jones admits he respects Slice for dealing with the adversity he has faced throughout his life. Slice reciprocates the emotion.
Soon after, it's weigh-in day. Slices registers 230 pounds, while Nelson slides in just under the division limit at 264 pounds.
White tells Nelson he doesn't look 264 pounds, but a quick lift of "Big Country's" T-shirt – and a glimpse of a protruding belly – changes the UFC exec's mind.
As final preparations are made, both teams express confidence in their fighters, and everyone says they are looking forward to the action. Jackson offers some last-minute support by shaving his head in homage to Slice.
Finally, it's fight time.
(Team Tommy's) Kimbo Slice (Coach Rampage) vs (Team Jon's) Roy Nelson (Coach Rashad)
Round 1: Nelson opens up by pumping his jab while Slice gauges distance. Nelson lands the first punch, and Slice tries to counter to no avail. Slice finally answers with a powerful, surprising low kick.
Over a minute in, and the pace is moderate. Nelson actually more active with his strikes, but the offense is hardly massive. Slice finally does open his attack, and he lands a few punches as Nelson is trapped against the fence. Nelson rushes off and shoots, though Slice defends well.
Nelson continues to push in for the takedown in the clinch, though Slice maintains his balance. However, Nelson will not relent and eventually earns a nice trip, then transitions quickly to mount.
Slice tries to keep Nelson pulled tight, but Nelson postures and moves to side control. Slice nearly lands a smooth sweep off of the cage, but Nelson powers back into side control. "Big Country" traps the arm for the aforementioned crucifix position, then proceeds to land more than 40 left-hand shots to Slice's forehead. Referee Herb Dean watches the action closely, but the blows aren't being delivered with much authority. As such, Dean allows the round to play out, a clear 10-9 for Nelson.
Round 2: Slice starts more aggressively in the second, opening with a jab. A right hand scores for the slugger, and a left follows. A second left glances in as well, and Nelson rushes forward. Slice scores a shot in the clinch, but when he throws a knee he is dumped on his back.
Nelson moves immediately back to side control and steps over the right arm to regain crucifix position. With his team counting off the shots, Nelson lands another 20-plus soft shots to the head. Dean warns Slice, then steps in at the 2:01 mark of the second frame for the TKO stoppage.
Nelson parades around the cage, but UFC president Dana White compared the winning shots to letting "my daughter pin me down and hit me."
-(Team Jon's) Roy Nelson def. (Team Tommy's) Kimbo Slice via TKO in Round 2 for 9pts.
-Team CJ, Team Roxanne, Team Roy, and Team Adam each earn 1pt for having Rashad as their coach.
White admits he respects the effort from Slice and encourages him to improve throughout the rest of the episode. And as White reminds us, an injury could easily allow Slice back into the tournament – a fact that becomes immediately relevant as Jones' injury appears to take center stage in Episode No. 4.
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