The Ultimate Fighter 27: Undefeated Finale

The Ultimate Fighter 27: Undefeated Finale

By Dan McConnell

The Ultimate Fighter Season 27 Undefeated Finale concludes this Friday at the Pearl Theatre in Las Vegas. On the eve of International Fight Week and the UFC’s biggest event of the year UFC 226, TUF 27 finale will look to set up a huge weekend in the UFC’s Mixed Martial Arts calendar.

In the main-event undefeated (11-0) Middleweight contender Israel Adesanya faces former TUF contestant Brad Tavares (17-4) in a matchup that will look to propel either fighter into the top ten.

Israel ‘The Last Style Bender’ has looked impressive inside the octagon from his move from kick-boxing and is tipped by many to be the next exciting young prospect in the division. He will face a seasoned veteran who from appearing on TUF 11 Team Liddell v Team Ortiz reaching the semi-finals has fought tough opponents like Lorenz Larkin, Yoel Romero, Tim Boetsch and current UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker. The Hawaiian Tavares has racked up a 4-fight win streak and will look to put the first loss on Adesanya’s record.

The co-main event features the TUF 27 Lightweight finale between New Jersey native Mike Trizano and Boston’s own Joe Giannetti. Trizano has fought with Bellator where he defeated Mike Otwell via anaconda choke, while Giannetti is a young undefeated prospect with a lot of confidence in his ability wherever the fight takes place.

Next up is the Featherweight Final bout between Canadian Brad Katona who’s wrestling and striking has looked exceptional throughout the season and was the first man to book his place in the finale. Katona trains with SBG Ireland under Head Coach John Kavanagh. The Canadian will face British-born former soldier Jay Cucciniello who took out the number one seed in the semi-final Tyler Diamond.

TUF 27 fighters Luis Pena faces SBG Ireland’s Richie Smullen who both got injured during the season but have huge potential. Allan Zuniga takes on John Gunther and beaten Lightweight semi-finalists Tyler Diamond and Bryce Mitchell will face off for a UFC contract.

Finalist of TUF 26 Roxanne Modafferi also features on the card with fellow series fighter Barb Honchak.

Exciting Italian prospect Alessio Di Chirico (11-2) faces Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series victor Julian ‘The Cuban Missile Crisis’ Marquez (7-1)

Main-Event
Brad Tavares v Israel Adasanya

Co-Main Event
Mike Trizano v Joe Giannetti (TUF27 Lightweight final)

Main-Card
Brad Katona v Jay Cucciniello (TUF27 Featherweight final)
Alex Caceres v Martin Bravo
Roxanne Modafferi v Barb Honchak
Alessio Di Chirico v Julian Marquez

Pre-Lims
Montana De La Rosa v Rachel Ostovich
Luis Pena v Richie Smullen
John Gunther v Allan Zuniga
Matt Bessette v Steven Peterson
Gerald Meerschaert v Oskar Piechota
Tyler Diamond v Bryce Mitchell