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Zak Jensen's back answering more questions from Torch Editor Jamie Penick on this week's second episode of The Ultimate Fighter and more. Make sure to send in questions for this feature to Zak at Tuf10TorchBlog@gmail.com!
Going 0-2 to start has got to be deflating, how did the team react to losing the first two fights, knowing Rashad's team had the next pick?
We knew Rashad had the next pick after Abe lost, so this fight was more for pride than getting control. We were all upset, losing sucks.
The Wes Shivers-James McSweeney fight was the second fight in a row that just wasn't very good, and both fighters looked extremely gassed minutes into the first round. Was cardio worked enough on Rampage's team heading into this or was it more a case of Shivers not having been prepared cardio-wise to fight right away coming on the show?
He said he was in shape and it was fought right after Abe and Jon's fight. It was only the 5th day and we had 4 practices, so the were working on their game plans while the guys who were not picked to fight were having more intense workouts.
Speaking of that, it appeared that although neither did much in the first round, Shivers should have taken it. Did you think they should've gotten a third round for that fight?
I am still pissed that there was not a third round.
Moving on to Kimbo, they showed a lot of him in training on this week's episode, working on his weakness in the ground game, how quickly did he seem to pick up some of the stuff that the coaches were trying to teach?
He is a fast learner and extremely willing to learn.
Nelson and Kimbo on next week's episode might be the most watched fight the show's ever had, without being able to say much on the fight yet, what was the reaction you had at that fight announcement and what might we be in store for here next week?
I was not surprised about Kimbo being picked but I was with Roy. Picking your best fighter against our least well rounded was interesting. I know it puts the odds in the favor of Rashad to regain control but I thought it would be someone like Justin who had a ground game also and save Roy for one of our UFC vets, either Scott Junk or Wes SIms.
What are your thoughts on Rampage's decision to be "done fighting," effectively dropping out of the fight with Rashad?
I am pissed; after all the shit talking he backs out. He turned his back on the people that had his during one of his lowest and darkest times. He needs to fight Rashad then do movies, keep his commitment to the UFC and The Ultimate Fighter.
How do you think it's going to effect viewership on the rest of this season and the desire for many to watch all the way through?
It wont effect viewership, it is still going to be the best season ever.
Do you think it affects the enjoyment of Rampage and Rashad's trash talking on the show now that we may not ever see that fight, and certainly not anytime soon?
I don't think so it just puts more credibility to Rashad, and it will force Rampage to man up and fight him.
ALERT: Every Tuesday night, listen to the MMATorch Livecast from 9-10:30 p.m. ET or listen now to the most recent shows by clicking here. Listen live this coming Tuesday as Jamie Penick, Rich Hansen, and Matt Pelkey discuss the latest MMA happenings. Online listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mmatorch or call into the show at 646-716-8090 to either just listen or participate.
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