As episode No. 11 of "The Ultimate Fighter: U.S. vs. U.K." begins, the lightweight finalists are preparing for their chances to qualify for the live finale.Team U.S. lightweight Cameron Dollar is struggling with a set of injured ribs, but coach Dan Henderson is confident his team can win. Meanwhile, his Team U.K. opponent, Andre Winner, is busy using American turncoat Jason Pierce's scouting report to develop his own plan of focusing on boxing while staying away from Dollar's right hand. Back at the house, Winner's teammates bring to light his strange habit of sucking his thumb. It's an odd discussion, and Winner tries to deny it briefly. Unfortunately, video proves otherwise, and he's forced to own up to the habit. The action turns quickly to the episode's first bout.
(Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar vs. (Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner
Referee Josh Rosenthal gets the bout underway, and after a touch of gloves, the pair looks to trade on the feet. Dollar starts with a few missed jabs, before chasing Winner with a flurry. Winner quickly answers with a few shots of his own, and the fight is off to a quick start. After some further blows, Dollar tries for the takedown as instructed, but Winner sprawls easily. Working in the clinch, Winner lands a knee to the injured ribs of Dollar. Dollar succeeds with a trip, but Winner reverses the throw and winds up in mount. The Brit passes on punches and instead transitions to a triangle choke and rolls to his back. Dollar resists, but doesn't escape, and Winner locks the hold in tighter. With the choke in tight, Dollar is forced to tap. It's an impressive performance, and Winner says he looks forward to having the belt around his waist and being "filthy rich." Dollar is obviously disappointed, but Henderson believes the lightweight could be a factor in the future.
Next up is a chance to determine Winner's finale opponent as Team U.S.'s Jason Dent meets Team U.K.'s Ross Pearson. Before Pearson can step into the cage, he's got a challenge in front of him. Pearson's shoulder dislocates in training, but the gritty lightweight, who says it happens quite frequently, simply pops it back into place and is ready to go. As for Pearson's opponent, Jason Dent, UFC President Dana White says he was unimpressed by the lightweight in his first bout. Dent says he's upset at the assertion that he fought a boring fight, insisting instead that he was simply playing it smart and focusing on self-preservation. Either way, Dent promises to go all out in the semifinal. Pearson says he'll do the same.
(Team Tommy's) Jason Dent vs. (Team Jon's) Ross Pearson
Referee Steve Mazzagatti calls for the start of the contest, and Pearson is quickly on the attack. A kick to the body leads to a clinch, though Dent throws several punches inside. The two fighters split and begin to attack on the feet. Dent covers up and avoids any major damage, but Pearson is certainly the aggressor. Dent battles back, landing a few solid uppercuts, but Pearson quickly turns the tide back in his favor. With one minute remaining, Pearson is again aggressive on the attack, though Dent survives and answers with a few punches in return. Henderson calls for a takedown to steal the round, but Dent settles for a final flurry as time expires. Dent opens as the aggressor in the second round, but Pearson is able to deflect much of the attack. Dent briefly takes control with a flurry of punches and some solid knees in the Thai clinch. Pearson withstands the blows and takes Dent to the floor. Dent scrambles back to his feet and a flurry from both fighters follows before Dent again finds himself on the floor. Pearson rides the position out until the final bell, and the fight will see a third round. The final round opens with punches from both fighters, but Pearson scores the heavier blows. Pearson follows with a takedown and traps Dent against the cage. Dent pulls guard, but Pearson begins to work some ground-and-pound offense from the top. Dent tries to roll free, but he can't shake Pearson off. Henderson calls for Dent to return to his feet, but he simply can't find the room to escape. Pearson continues the assault until the final bell, and he earns the unanimous decision win.
It's a tough loss for Dent, who fought valiantly throughout, and White changes his tune on the lightweight's capabilities. Nevertheless, Pearson earns his way into an all-British final with Winner.
Next week brings the final welterweight elimination bout between (Team Roxanne's) Frank Lester and (Team Jon's) James Wilks, and the last episode of the season before the live finale.
-(Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner def. (Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar via submission (triangle choke) in Round 1 for 10pts.
-(Team Jon's) Ross Pearson def. (Team Tommy's) Jason Dent via unanimous decision for 7pts.
-Team CJ, Team Jen, Team Jon, Team Roxanne, and Team Tommy each receive 2pts for having Michael Bisping as their coach.
