LAS VEGAS—Fil-Am Phillippe Nover was one win away from winning $100,000 and a professional contract to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
After six weeks of competition in the reality show The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) on the Spike Network, the undefeated 24-year-old Nover lost the lightweight finals match by unanimous decision against Efrain Escudero, thus, losing an opportunity to join the mixed martial arts organization.
"Phillippe knew my strengths and weaknesses so it made me a better fighter, go to the gym, work harder because he knew what I had," said Escudero, who roomed with Nover throughout the reality show.
"It was a great advantage," he added about training with Nover and knowing his moves prior to the bout.
The 22-year-old Escudero (11-0) of Arizona overwhelmed the Brooklyn raised Nover (6-1-1) with takedowns throughout the bout. In the first round, Escudero ducked underneath a Nover punch and wrestled him down to the ground. Nover appeared to be on the brink of submission when Escudero jumped on his back and attempted a rear naked choke hold. Nover escaped the early submission attempt but could not put enough pressure or damage to the slick Escudero.
It was much of the same in the second round. Nover, regarded as the better boxer and kickboxer, would throw a few kicks and punches only to be countered by Escudero, who would duck underneath the punches or grab Nover’s leg for a takedown.
Nover didn’t grab momentum of the fight until the third round. Nover appeared to figure out Escudero’s wrestling moves, almost executing a triangle chokehold but by that time the round was winding down.
All three judges scored in favor of Escudero 29-28.
( Published on December 19, 2008 in Asian Journal San Francisco p. A3 )
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