In the latest episode of The Ultimate Fighter 33, a fighter from Daniel Cormier’s flyweight roster secured a spot in the next round, overcoming a costly penalty during his bout.
This week`s featured fight saw Alibi Idiris of Team Cormier, representing Kazakhstan, face off against Team Sonnen`s Furkatbek Yokubov from Uzbekistan. Idiris, an undefeated competitor, heavily utilized his wrestling skills to earn a decision victory.
The path to victory wasn`t without its challenges for Idiris. Yokubov initially seemed to have the edge in the stand-up exchanges, landing effective body kicks and well-timed counter punches. However, after a brief halt in the action caused by an accidental low blow from Yokubov, Idiris successfully closed the distance, transitioning to his wrestling game to take the fight to the ground.
Despite Yokubov receiving a warning from referee Jason Herzog for grabbing the fence, Idiris persisted, taking his opponent down and beginning to inflict damage with ground-and-pound strikes. The fight progressed to the second round, which opened with a fast-paced striking exchange where Idiris accidentally poked Yokubov in the eye. Herzog immediately intervened, deducting a point from Idiris.
Ultimately, the point deduction did not impact the outcome. Idiris continued to dominate the second round with his superior wrestling, ultimately securing the decision win after two rounds.
With this win, Team Cormier now boasts two flyweight fighters in the semifinals; Idiris joins teammate Imanol Rodriguez. The other confirmed flyweight semifinalist is Team Sonnen’s Joseph Morales. Team Cormier has established a significant lead in the series, now holding a 4-1 advantage, with welterweights Daniil Donchenko and Jeff Creighton also having advanced.
This week`s episode also featured two notable guests brought in by Cormier to share insights with his team: TUF 24 alumnus and two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, and Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark. Moreno shared his perspective on the value of the TUF journey, recounting how he lost his fight on the show but went on to achieve championship status. Clark, an ESPN analyst alongside Cormier, provided a motivational pep talk to the yellow team, specifically addressing Idiris before his fight.
Looking ahead to the next episode, the welterweight tournament continues with a matchup between Team Cormier`s Alex Sanchez (Mexico) and Team Sonnen`s Matt Dixon (USA).
The Ultimate Fighter 33 is broadcast live every Tuesday evening at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Unlike previous seasons, coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, both long retired from competition, will not face each other in a fight at the conclusion of the series.
The finalists from the welterweight and flyweight tournaments on TUF 33 will compete for a six-figure UFC contract in the show’s live finale bouts. The date for these final fights is yet to be announced.
Based on the quarterfinal results aired so far, the fighters advancing to the semifinals include:
- Joseph Morales
- Daniil Donchenko
- Imanol Rodriguez
- Jeff Creighton
- Alibi Idiris
Wesley Dunham