• TUF Smashes

Whittaker claims Aussie place in Smashes finale

ESPN staff
November 29, 2012
Sotiropoulos and Pearson face off in two weeks' time © Getty Images
Enlarge

Australia will have at least one fighter in the finale of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs UK - The Smashes, as Robert Whittaker defeated Australian team-mate Xavier Lucas and secured his place on the fight card on December 15.

Whittaker will fly the green and gold in the Octagon when he fights UK's Bradley Scott for national glory and a contract with the UFC

Leading up to the bout, Whittaker visualised knocking out Lucas, saying that he did not want to hurt him for three rounds. Whittaker's visualisation came to fruition in the first round when a hard straight right glanced over the top of his opponent's head, dropping Lucas to the ground. Whittaker took the opportunity to pounce on Lucas and knocked him out with powerful ground and pound.

Stealing the victory from his team-mate, Whittaker's celebration was subdued and his focus was quickly diverted to consoling Lucas.

During Team UK training, the Brits were joined by three Australian rugby players; Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane and Kurtley Beale. The players joined the fighters at the gym, participating in some pad work, with Cooper showing promising skills for his impending boxing career.

The series resumes next Wednesday, December 5, at midnight on ESPN. In episode 12, the final lightweight semi-final is held between Australia's Richie Vas and UK's Colin Freakshow Fletcher to decide who will have a shot at a UFC contract in the series finale.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices