'The Ultimate Fighter 17' Ep. 6 Fight Recap & Week 7 Preview

Ariel Shnerer / February 27, 2013 - 7:57pm

A crushing three-punch combination earned Josh Samman a first-round knockout victory over Tor Troeng, so Team Jones has reassumed control of the picks.

Next week's fight will feature Jones' prized possession and first-overall pick Clint Hester against Team Sonnen dark horse Jimmy Quinlan.

FIGHT RECAP

Tor Troeng (15-4, Renyi Fight Camp, Team Sonnen Pick No. 4) vs. Josh Samman (9-2, Capital City Combat Club, Team Jones Pick No. 2)

A longtime veteran of the Swedish mixed martial arts circuit, the 30-year-old Troeng's defensive deficiencies ultimately decided this fight.

Oozing confidence since his very first day in the house, the 24-your-old Samman simply pressed the pace, charging forward with combinations and holding his own in the clinch.

Samman is a young prospect with holes in his game, so Troeng capitalized midway through the opening round by securing a takedown and landing some decent punches from top position.

Once Samman scrambled back to his feet, he instantly gained momentum before blitzing with a fight-ending onslaught.

Post-fight, Troeng questioned what he could really learn from the loss, dismissing the finish as a lucky punch.

However, a closer assessment of the fight exposes some glaring weak points in Troeng's striking defense. He absorbed shots nearly every single time Samman let his hands go, so it was only a matter of time until something substantial landed.

Troeng is a well-rounded competitor, but he would be well-advised to refine his striking. A failure to circle and counter allowed Samman to tag him with shots and close the distance.

At this level, a willingness to absorb big shots will only get you so far.

FIGHT PREVIEW

Clint Hester (7-3, X3 Sports, Team Jones Pick No. 1) vs. Jimmy Quinlan (3-0, Mass BJJ, Team Sonnen Pick No. 5)

A tremendously gifted athlete, the 25-year-old Hester clearly left an impression with Jon Jones in his decision victory over Fraser Opie to get into the "TUF" house.

The Atlanta native made his professional debut in November 2008, entering the season on a three-fight winning streak.

Despite his unassuming look, the 26-year-old Quinlan possesses some of the best credentials of any cast member this season.

A four-time All-Conference collegiate wrestler and multiple-time Pan-Am BJJ champion, Quinlan has the consummate fundamental bases to evolve into a solid fighter.

Quinlan recorded a first-round TKO of Mike Parsons to advance past the elimination stage.

While Quinlan still boasts a perfect professional record, Hester has likely learned a thing or two from being in there with the likes of former Bellator welterweight tournament winner Douglas Lima.

This should be another competitive fight. After a quick glance at both men, you'd likely peg Hester as the clear-cut favorite, but Quinlan will likely surprise a few people.

Still, every fight begins standing and Hester's superior striking and strong frame could pose some serious threats to the submission stylist.

Verdict: Hester