UFC 226 is taking all of the spotlight this week, and even Friday night gave way to big announcements about Canada and TUF, but the TUF 27 finale featured plenty of happenings of its own.
Many wondered if former kickboxer Israel Adesanya was seeing too much, too soon as he was given a main event slot against #8 Brad Tavares on the show. Adesanya showed he was more than prepared for a task as he controlled the veteran for the duration of five rounds on his way to a unanimous decision victory that showed his improving game and added versatility. After the fight, Adesanya didn't call anyone out, but said he'll be at UFC 226 on Saturday night.
The all-time count of ass elbows reached its apex when Mike Trizano and Joe Gianetti competed for the lightweight TUF 27 Finals. In what was a trying bout for all viewers involved, Trizano would earn a split decision win on his way to keeping his unbeaten streak alive.
While the TUF 27 season was billed as "The Undefeateds," Jay Cuccienello received his second loss of sorts when Brad Katona was able to outlast him to take the featherweight TUF 27 crown. Cuccienello had actually lost in the first round of the tournament, but was given another opportunity when Ricky Steele withdrew in the second round.
On the women's side of things, a rare top-10 bout involving a fighter with no UFC wins took place. Roxanne Modafferi improved on her #8 ranking by stopping #7 Barb Honchak with mounted elbows in the second round. While she didn't have any official UFC victories, Modafferi had earned three wins on The Ultimate Fighter across her two runs.
You can see our full coverage of the TUF 27 Finale at this link. Fightful will provide comprehensive recap coverage following tomorrow's UFC 226 show on our post-show podcast.
