Episode 7 of The Ultimate Fighter 33 delivered a pivotal matchup in the flyweight division, highlighting the critical difference that in-fight strategy adjustments can make. The bout saw Team Sonnen`s Roybert Echeverria clash with Team Cormier`s Tumelo Manyamala in a contest that ultimately shifted momentum decisively.
The Fight Unfolds: Early Success, Then a Tactical Shift
Tumelo Manyamala, representing Team Cormier, started strong. Utilizing his speed and sharp striking, Manyamala effectively countered Echeverria, controlling the initial exchanges. A well-timed right hand even sent Echeverria to his knees, signaling Manyamala`s early dominance and securing him the advantage on the scorecards after the first round.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically in the second round. Following clear direction from Team Sonnen`s corner – which included a notable guest appearance by former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker – Echeverria adopted a more aggressive, forward-pressing approach. His new game plan centered on repeatedly entering striking range with combinations designed specifically to set up takedown attempts. While Manyamala successfully defended the first two attempts, he could not stop the third. Echeverria secured the crucial takedown, transitioning the fight to the mat.
Once on the ground, Echeverria maintained dominant control, preventing Manyamala from returning to his feet. Capitalizing on the position, Echeverria swiftly worked to secure a rear-naked choke. The submission was tight, leaving Manyamala with no option but to tap out, awarding the victory to Roybert Echeverria in the second round.
Cormier`s Frustration Mounts
The outcome was a tough pill for Daniel Cormier and his team to swallow. Visibly frustrated by his fighter`s performance, particularly the inability to maintain offensive pressure or defend the crucial takedown in the second round, Cormier did not mince words during the post-fight debrief. He expressed disappointment that Manyamala allowed the fight to slip away, echoing similar sentiments about a previous loss by another of his fighters.
Addressing Manyamala, Cormier emphasized the need to learn from the loss, stating, “Remember what you`re feeling right now and make sure it doesn`t happen to you again. Don`t waste this opportunity.” It appears Coach Cormier`s reserves of patience might be running as thin as the air at high altitude, as tactical passivity from his athletes continues to be a recurring source of vexation.
Competition Standings and the Path Ahead
Echeverria`s victory was significant not just for him, but for the overall competition dynamic. It narrowed Team Cormier`s lead over Team Sonnen to 4-3, intensifying the rivalry as the season progresses. With this result, both teams now have two representatives locked into the flyweight semifinals, setting up intriguing matchups down the line.
Attention now turns to the welterweight division next week, where Team Sonnen`s No. 1 pick Diego Bianchini is scheduled to face Team Cormier`s Rodrigo Sezinando. Each episode brings the fighters closer to the ultimate goal: securing a coveted six-figure contract with the UFC in the live finale bouts. While the legendary coaches, Cormier and Sonnen, are long retired and will not face each other in the cage, their strategic battle unfolds week after week through the performances of their fighters.
Episode 7 underscored how critical in-fight adjustments and effective cornering are in the high-stakes environment of The Ultimate Fighter, proving that sometimes, simply sticking to the pre-fight plan isn`t enough.
Marcus Blakely