The Ultimate Fighter 33 Episode 2: Team Cormier Evens Score

In the second episode of The Ultimate Fighter 33, hosted by Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, the team scores were leveled at one win each.

The crucial victory came from Team Cormier`s Daniil Donchenko representing Ukraine, who secured a decision win over Team Sonnen`s Richard Martins from Brazil after two competitive rounds. Donchenko`s more varied striking ultimately earned him the nod on the scorecards.

This matchup was strategically chosen by Coach Sonnen after his team took the first bout of the season in Episode 1, where his top flyweight pick, Joseph Morales, submitted Team Cormier`s Eduardo Henrique. However, the second fight did not go in Sonnen`s favor.

The welterweight clash saw Donchenko begin aggressively, landing effective leg kicks and a powerful right hand that visibly rocked Martins. Donchenko pressed for a finish, but Martins successfully used a bodylock to recover and regain his composure. As the fight continued, Martins battled back, while Coach Cormier instructed Donchenko to focus on mixing his strikes rather than solely seeking power shots.

Donchenko controlled much of the fight, relying on a consistent attack of leg kicks and sharp counter punches to outpoint the resilient Martins. In the post-fight discussion, Daniel Cormier acknowledged Martins` toughness despite the loss.

Following this win, it was Coach Cormier`s turn to select the next fight. He chose his third-ranked flyweight, Imanol Rodriguez from Mexico, to compete against Chael Sonnen`s final flyweight pick, Arshiyan Memon from India.

The episode also featured two-time former UFC champion and TUF alumnus, T.J. Dillashaw, who joined Team Sonnen as a guest coach. Dillashaw previously competed on TUF 14, reaching the bantamweight final before going on to capture UFC gold twice.

It`s worth noting that coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, both long retired from active competition, will not be fighting each other at the conclusion of the season, a departure from many previous TUF formats.

The tournament champions in both the welterweight and flyweight divisions will receive a six-figure UFC contract as their prize in the live finale events.

The Ultimate Fighter 33 Rosters

Team Cormier

Flyweights:

[List of Team Cormier Flyweights – as provided or inferred]

Welterweights:

[List of Team Cormier Welterweights – as provided or inferred]

Team Sonnen

Flyweights:

[List of Team Sonnen Flyweights – as provided or inferred]

Welterweights:

[List of Team Sonnen Welterweights – as provided or inferred]