With only two wins to Canada’s five, the Australian team desperately wanted another win as the opening round of fights came to an end. 36 year-old Victorian Vik Grujic (pictured) was able to deliver as he knocked out his opponent Luke Harris to book a semi-final spot.
The episode was televised in Australia on FX.
The episode started off with Canadian fighter Olivier Aubin-Mercier celebrating his win with a feast back at the lodge. His opponent Matthews took the loss particularly hard with his Aussie team-mates rallying behind the youngster.
Our next two fighters Vik Grujic and Luke Harris briefly speak about their experiences in the sport and what it means to them.
Back at the gym, Australian team coach Kyle Noke introduced a special guest in none-other than UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Jones gives the team a motivational speech as the Australians found an extra spark at training.
It was revealed that Canadian fighter Sheldon Westcott felt a ‘pop’ in his neck while rolling on the ground and will be on the sidelines until that is cleared.
Talk is beginning on who will fight who in the semi-finals, in particular at welterweight where the Canadian team have Kajan Johnson, Chad Laprise and Olivier Aubin-Mercier all in the running against the lone Australian Richie Walsh.
Jon Jones joined the Aussie team for dinner as Kelly prepared the barbie. Through dinner, the UFC champion explains to the Australian team the important of a proper nutrition.
Canadian team get a special guest of their own the next day with a visit from former Strikeforce champion Cung Le who went through some of his trademark spinning techniques standing.
Both fighters successfully made weight and in the cage when the fight started both fighters had a cautious start before Grujic landed a jab. A left hook connected as well for the Australian who secured the body-lock takedown. Grujic immediately unloads with some elbows from half-guard that knocks his opponent out cold and in the same process opening a large cut over the eye of Harris. The win came within a minute of the fight beginning.
With the last fight over, Australa will now have three fights in the semi-finals compared to Canada’s five.
The semi-final match-ups will be announced at next week’s episode. Check it out on FX Australia, Thursday afternoon at 4:30pm AEDT.
