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By: Yael Grauer, MMATorch Guest Contributor
Before watching this week's episode of TUF 20, I watched the Paige VanZant-Kailin Curran fight everyone was talking about. Although I enjoyed the bout, I was surprised to hear that people thought it was a Fight of the Year contender. It didn't have the level of technique and back-and-forth fighting I expect for FOTY candidates. This week's fight, though? Whole 'nother story.
After last week's dramafest, it was nice to see an episode focusing on the actual fight prep and fight itself (with some motorcycle porn thrown in for good measure). First we get a close-up of Aisling Daly, who's focusing on herself, and not on the other fighters, which apparently is awkward for Justine Kish. Penne also seems to be keeping to herself a bit. Must be hard to be around so many people, especially for fighters that seem pretty introverted. Attention is drawn to Daly's unorthodox style, which is hard to train for.
On weigh-in day, Conor McGregor visits the gym, and they spend some time chatting. Daly lets him know who her friends are so he won't give attention to anyone who doesn't deserve it.
Anyway, we're onto the fight. The first round is Daly's strongest, and she's switching stances and moving unconventionally, as per usual. Penne moves in with punches and works for takedowns, Daly defends one, and reverses the next. There's back-and-forth clinch work and striking, and Daly finally gets a sweet throw and works some ground and pound, but Penne gets back up, and finishes the round with some strikes of her own. Looks like the judges thought Daly won what was a very close round.
In the second period, Daly begins with some big strikes. Penne is unsuccessful with a takedown attempt, and the two battle in the clinch, with Daly taking Penne's back. She doesn't seem to want to test Penne's ground game, though, and lets her stand. Penne lands some shots, and Daly works her clinch until she is taken down and mounted. She tries to escape, but Penne keeps working punches until the bell rings, winning the round.
Daly comes out swinging in the third, landing a couple of punches and a body kick before transitioning to a clinch. Penne counters with a throw, and Daly attempts a heel hook, escaping out the back door so Penne can't take her back. Penne is on her back and attempting her signature triangle, which she can't finish, but she does land some right hand strikes. Then she takes Daly's back, transitioning to mount momentarily until Daly regains her guard. Penne works a few strikes, but Daly stands and works a takedown. Still, the back-and-forth bout is a victory for Penne.
Really amazing fight, and next week's two bouts will probably be equally explosive, as Carla Esparza and Tecia Torres square off (I call Torres due to Esparza's steroid accusations) and Calderwood vs. Namajunas (too close to call, you guys - Calderwood is more technical, but Namajunas' confidence in interviews as of late makes me think she got the W).
Despite the drama, and having to listen to Angela Magana talk and Esparza and Herrig play pattycake, it's been a damn good season of TUF so far. I think Zuffa should find another group of people it's disenfranchised who have held their own outside of their organization, and scoop them up once they're already developed for each season from now on. It would totes save the show.
Yael Grauer is a freelance writer, you can find more of her at yaelwrites.com/blog
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