Dana White showed up at the house to celebrate with the eight fighters who have reached the semi-finals, and also stuck around to have dinner with everyone. Perhaps even more surprisingly was that Dana only managed to say f*ck once, maybe the swear jar they’ve instituted in the White household is finally working. Afterwards, White had few other surprises, first, he was brining back all the fighters who had previously been defeated on the show, which he believes will ensure the remaining guys all have enough training partners to work out with. Second, he announced Tito and Ken would play a best 2 out of 3 series of pool, with the winner getting $10,000.

Ken acted as though he didn’t know how to play pool, and once he gets a cue in his hand he makes like Minnesota fats and beats Tito 2-0. I guess this was White’s way of helping team Shamrock get some momentum on their side as they prepare for the semi-finals. It’s worth noting that once Shamrock was awarded the prize money, he didn’t mention anything about taking his guys out, just said goodnight and bolted.

In discussing the match ups for the semi-finals, Dana, Tito, and Ken revealed that Matt Hamill’s arm is still bothering him, and subsequently he will not be participating in the next round of competition. Dana is quite confident that one of the returning fighters will jump at the opportunity to compete in the semi-finals, in particular Tait. Yet, much to Dana’s disbelief Tait turns down the offer, stating he’s not mentally prepared to come back. Next up is Kristian, and he too isn’t interested, as his head is not into it and feels as though he’s out of shape. Luckily, England’s Ross Pointon who would be willing to fight anyone in exchange for a packet of sugar, steps up.

The two middleweight fights are; Kalib Starnes vs. Kendal Grove, and Rory Singer vs. Ed Herman, while the two light heavyweight matches are; Jesse Forbes vs. Josh Haynes and in the battle of Britain, Michael Bisping vs. Ross Pointon. The middleweight bracket keeps with the theme of the show, as it features 2 team Ortiz fighters squaring off against 2 guys from Shamrocks team. However, the light heavyweights feature two guys from team Ortiz (Haynes/Bisping) that have previously won, against two fighters from Shamrock’s team (Forbes/Pointon) that were defeated in the preliminary round and invited back onto the show.

This week’s fight featured the first middleweight showdown, Kalib vs. Kendal, and heading into the fight Kalib is viewed as a slight favourite, and also believes he’s a better wrestler and boxer then Kendal. The fight begins with Kalib slamming Kendal early, and pushing the pace. Kalib certainly looked like the stronger fighter earlier, but Kendal decides to let his hands go as the round comes to an end. The 2nd round begins with Kendal landing a couple of nice knees, but Kalib still manages to gain the takedown. It’s a fairly back and forth round, but near the end of the round Kalib appears to be the more fatigued fighter, as he’s pretty much back-pedalling for the last 30 seconds. In between rounds, Kalib complains to his corner that he took a knee that likely broke his ribs. After an early clinch at the beginning of the 3rd round, Kalib pulls away and verbally submits to the referee. Shamrock for one is very critical of his fighter’s decision, and believes he quit – not too long ago Ken quit in a fight after taking some punishment, so he’s probably not in the best position to cast such judgement.

Next week: 2nd middleweight match up – Rory Singer vs. Ed Herman.

Fighters remaining in the Competition

Lightheavyweights

Team Shamrock
Jesse Forbes (will face Josh Haynes in the Semi Finals)
Ross Pointon (will face Mike Bisping in the Semi Finals)

Team Ortiz
Mike Bisping (will face Ross Pointon in the Semi Finals)
Josh Haynes (will face Jesse Forbes in the Semi Finals)

Middleweights

Team Shamrock
Ed Herman (Will face Rory Singer in the Semi Finals)

Team Ortiz
Rory Singer (Will face Ed Herman in the Semi Finals)
Kendall Grove (Advanced to the Finals)