On the latest season of the UFC reality show `The Ultimate Fighter`, Chael Sonnen paid for a fighter`s weight miss, covering the cost per excess pound.
The UFC reality TV show `The Ultimate Fighter` has aired for 33 seasons, with UFC stars Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen returning as coaches for this latest installment.
A notable event occurred in a recent episode when Ireland`s Andreeas Binder (10-2) was permitted to compete on the show, despite missing weight by 5 lbs.
Historically, fighters who miss weight have their bouts cancelled. However, Binder`s coach, Chael Sonnen, supported him by negotiating a $12,500 payment to his opponent, Jeff Creighton, to proceed with the fight – equivalent to $2,500 per pound.
Despite a strong start in round 1 where he landed impactful strikes on Creighton, the fight ultimately didn`t go Binder`s way. He lost by majority decision, having expected a third round to decide the outcome.
Following his appearance on the show, Andreeas Binder spoke in an interview.
Andreeas Binder Vows to Repay Chael Sonnen with a KO in Contender Series or UFC
Binder stated that his body went into shock during the weight cut, adding that this wouldn`t have occurred if he had fought on week 2 as initially planned.
Binder was asked about Sonnen`s role in addressing his weight miss and providing the Irish prospect with the rare chance to compete.
“Chael is a straight-up gangster,” Binder stated.
He added that Sonnen was deeply involved with the team.
“He genuinely looked after the team. He was truly involved, attending every single session.”
“He had significant hopes for me. He even said he thought I would win this season. But that didn`t happen.”
“Hopefully, Jeff and I can run this back on a UFC card or Contender Series, whatever it may be. And I`ll repay Chael with a knockout.”
Andreeas Binder: I Was `Very Close` to Finishing the Fight on The Ultimate Fighter
Binder faced Creighton in TUF 33`s Episode 4, titled `Blood and Business`.
In the first round, Binder caught Creighton`s attention with numerous strikes and then landed significant ground and pound from top position.
The momentum shifted after Creighton opened up a cut at the end of round 1, bloodying Binder and leading to a dominant second round for Creighton.
“It was very close,” Binder commented, referring to being close to a finish in round 1.
“I wobbled him with a left hook.”
“I think it was the fact that I fought in front of Dana, and it was the first time competing not in front of fans, close friends, and family. So, I kind of rushed things a bit too much.”
“But I wobbled him on the feet with my left hook, if I remember correctly. Then I landed another overhand right. There were so many positions where I should have been more patient instead of rushing in. I saw he was hurt. I saw him wobble. I saw him stumble a little bit.”
“So I thought, now is my opportunity. Instead of holding back slightly and picking my shots, which would have allowed me to finish him. Credit to Jeff, though. He recovered well. He fought hard, came back, and won the second round.”
“But he knows. I know. Everyone knows – there should have been a third round.”
