MMA / Editorial

'The Ultimate Fighter 16' Episode 7 Report Card

Ariel Shnerer / October 28, 2012 - 5:16pm

Another week of "The Ultimate Fighter" is in the books as Team Nelson ties it up at three wins a piece following another mystifying decision.

Here's the report card for Episode 7:

Nelson's Latest Fight Drawing Methods

After regaining control of the picks, Roy Nelson decided straws were no longer the most effective way to select fights. His alternative proposal? Picking numbers. The only improvement? Fighters could choose to fight or pass to a teammate. The minor adjustment gets a passing grade this time around, but just barely.

Grade: D+

Coach Refuses to Pick Next Fight

After picking the closest number, Dom Waters was in line to fight next. He asked Nelson to assist in selecting the most suitable opponent, a fair request, but the coach lived up to his reputation thus far this season by refusing to help him strategize. Nelson hasn't been the most effective judge of talent, however, so maybe it was for the best.

Grade: D-

Waters Passes Up Opportunity to Fight

With little knowledge of the strengths of his potential opponents, Waters chose to pass up fighting. It's not the fearless approach we've grown accustomed to seeing on "The Ultimate Fighter," but it could have been the wisest decision for his career. His coaches should be helping him with game plans and strategies, a seemingly preposterous proposition on Team Nelson.

Grade: C+

Vengeance At Last

With Waters passing his pick to teammate Michael Hill the Canadian jumped at the opportunity for a grudge match with Matt Secor of Team Nelson. The two fighters already waged a war of words in the house, so it's only fitting they got to settle it in the Octagon.

Grade: A

The First "Ultimate Fighter" Trains with Team Nelson

Forrest Griffin dropped by for a training session with Nelson's squad, working closely with Hill ahead of his fight. With his history on the reality show and a short stint as UFC light heavyweight champion, Griffin was a fitting candidate to motivate the team.

Grade: B+

Secor Shares His Story

For the first time this season, viewers and housemates could finally sympathize with Secor as he revealed some tragedies from his personal life, including his brother's death while serving in the military and his father's passing last year. Secor shared a human side, which was a welcome change from his pranks and verbal antagonizing. Secor deserves credit for opening up with emotion in a house with so many alpha males. For his courage and perseverance, Secor earns our highest honor this week.

Grade: A+

Secor Formulates Grappling-Based Strategy

With the fight looming, Secor repeatedly expressed confidence about his positional game and ability to control Hill on the mat. Come fight time, this strategy actually seemed to pay off until the judges submitted their final verdicts.

Grade: A-

Secor Reveals His Inner Thoughts About Hill

Both Secor and coach Shane Carwin provided some comic relief when they shared their thoughts about Hill. Never known for his sense of humor, Carwin quickly pointed to Hill walking around all buffed up without his shirt on. Meanwhile, Secor was equally honest in his assessment of his opponent: "I generally think Mike Hill is a good kid, maybe a little douchebagey, you know, wearing no shirt, long blond hair, whatever." A little comedy never hurt anyone.

Grade: B

The Fight: Hill vs. Secor

In a mostly slow-placed tilt, Hill controlled the opening round with his superior striking before landing a takedown and maintaining pressure on top. Secor turned the tide in the second by securing dominant positions and fishing for submissions. The fight merited a third round and we got one. It was another tactical round with Secor seemingly doing enough with his positional control to earn the nod, or so we thought.

Grade: C

The Judges

Our failing grade this week belongs to the judges as Hill was awarded the split decision win in a highly questionable call. Once again, UFC president Dana White was vocal about the judging and he quickly blamed the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Nonetheless, the decision stands as terrible judging continues to run rampant this season.

Grade: F