411's The Ultimate Fighter: Season 5 - Episode 4 Report 04.26.07
Posted by Gabe Ruediger on 04.27.2007
Weems. From the beginning it was apparent that Wayne was the weakest out of everyone on the show...
Every week UFC veteran and TUF 5 cast member Gabe Ruediger gives his firsthand insight and thoughts to 411mania.com following the airing of The Ultimate Fighter 5 on Spike TV
Weems. From the beginning it was apparent that Wayne was the weakest out of everyone on the show. A very nice guy, who I liked, but not very skilled. I spoke to BJ about fighting him BEFORE Emerson fought Nate(if you watch Rob's face has no marks on it, and then in his confessional he has bruising). In my mind Emerson was going to win his fight and the ball would be in our court. I was talking to one of the producers about strategy and it made sense to take the easiest path to the finals. After Emersons fight, I went up to him and said that his performance reminded me of why I fight and that I didn't care who I fought. A side note. The TV version of Em's and Nates fight just didn't do it justice. When it was live it was phenomenal.
Melendez's weight. I knew he was having a hard time and I really felt for him when he was cutting weight. He looked like a skeleton and at one point we thought he wasn't going to make it. People that have never cut weight will never know what a daunting task it is. Its by FAR the worst thing about fighting.
The Tall Tale that is Marlon Sims. He had the most RIDICULOUS stories. Tall tales probably don't do them justice. He was hit by a car, the car was totaled and he walked 4 miles to the hospital, Nothing human can hurt him, Walked into a casino and won $5K with one quarter and was paid ON THE SPOT, His girlfriend is a Dr...No wait, a nurse...No, is in nursing school . That was another thing, he couldn't keep his stories correct either. Could they be true? Hmmmmm........
Andy's fight. I knew from the get go what he was going to do. I really like Andy, but he doesnt listen at all. A black belt in BJJ, and trains with some of the best wrestlers in the world, and he still stands and trades punches, WITH A BETTER STRIKER. It was really frustrating to be there and see it unfold again. At one point he had us all fooled and I thought he MIGHT just do what he said. He didn't.. BJ was REALLY pissed off and rightfully so. This was a fight Andy could have won and decisively, but chose not to and our team was then down 0-4
Reader Questions: Each week Gabe will take time to answer some of your questions. Please remember he is unable to talk about things that reveal events in later episodes, such as who wins in future episodes. Send your questions 411Gabe@gmail.com
It is great to see a cast member's perspective. I wondered about playing it up for the camera, did UFC encourage this?
Not really. Its pretty easy to figure out that its Drama that sells though. Imagine 16 fighters living in a house and getting along GREAT! It would be REALLY boring. Its becoming my favorite saying, but REALITY TV IS NOT REALITY
I have a question about team pick day. Why did so many raise their hands (including yours, correct?) to be on Penn's team? I understand he's a great fighter, but so is Pulver. I wouldn't think that it would make such a
difference when two former world champs are involved. I also figured more guys would respect Pulver for being part of MFS. I remember there being ten with their hands up, what two ended up on team Pulver?
Yes, my hand was up, but most liekly for different reasons than the others. I actually was a training dummy for BJ when he fought Jens the first time. We have been friends for over 10 years, and it made sense that I wanted to be on his team. Jens was a FANTASTIC coach and really showed it. It was more of who's team would you RATHER be on. I thought Jens was a great coach and I liked the guy, and in retrospect , it would have been great to be on his team. For me though, BJ is my friend and thats who I wanted to spend 6weeks with.
Also, what was the eligibility requirement? It seems odd that guys with prior UFC experience are eligible when some guys are barely professionals and have under five fights. I was under the impression in prior seasons that everyone generally fit the same level as guys who were highly accomplished in smaller organizations, but hadn't been in the UFC. - Jamie, Exeter, NH
Requirements? Have at LEAST one pro fight , be over 21, and a clear criminal record. The show is designed for ENTERTAINMENT, period. What some people lacked on skill, they made up for in character. Beyond that, I dont know what the criteria was
Hey Gabe, what did you think about BJ bringing up the colonic to the entire team? I always liked BJ but to me it seemed he took a private, personal conversation and used it publicly to gain support for himself and his purpose. I read that you took it in stride but BJ came across badly on tv. - Dan, Toronto
You know its funny. BJ, Gray, and someone else(cant thin who right now) ALL said they have had them. B bringing it up is just his personality. Ive known the guy for so long, it didnt even phase me. Im sure MANY things come across bad on TV. we were in a very stressful situation and with a camera on you 24-7, your going to slip up. Dont pass judgement on BJ or ANYONE from the show, based on the show.
Gabe Ruediger is a 29 year-old mixed martial artist training out of California. He specializes in jiu jitsu, spending a number of years honing his skills with Rodrigo Mederios and obtaining the rank of brown belt. He has a professional record of 10-3, the bulk of which relates to his career in WEC where he was the organization's Lightweight Champion as recently as 2006, a title he held three times.
