Integrated MMA fighter Tyler Manawaroa scored Australia’s first victory on TUF Nations – Australia vs Canada. Manawaroa defeated Tristar gym member Nordine Taleb via a unanimous decision after three rounds after the fighter split the opening two rounds.
The fight occurred on the fourth episode of the season which was shown in Australia on FX.
The episode left off from episode three as we returned back to the dressing rooms following the bout between Chris Indich and Chad Laprise. Australian fighter Indich tells Taleb that he can pass on the message that he can take a punch and that their discussions at night can be heard by everyone.
Back at the house, Laprise and Indich are relaxing and talking about their skills. Laprise admitted that he does not train in the gi very much, to which Indich with a laugh replied,”I should have taken you down.”
We get a short preview of both fighters with both sides confident that their fighter has the superior skills and will come out victorious.
Both fighters made weight successfully and in the heated stare-down, Taleb believed that Manawaroa was crossing into his territory and put his arm on his chest, only for Manawaroa to slap it away. Neither fighter was backing down.
As the fight started, it would be Taleb who would take centre of the cage with Manawaroa looking to exchange from the outside. Both fighter utilised their jab with Manawaroa looking for the knockout shot while Taleb landed constant knees when clinched. Taleb arguably took the first-round so Manawaroa would need to take the second if the Aussie team is to have a chance.
Manawaroa landed a nice uppercut early in the second round and as the round continued, Manawaroa chose to move around with his hands down his waist. The knees continued inside the clinch from Taleb however Manawaroa was really making it a brawl and a jab momentarily put his opponent down midway through the round. Listening to his corner person Adrian Pang, Manawaroa landed a nice spinning back elbow before the round ended. We were off to the judges, and the judges agreed. We were off to a third and final round.
Manawaroa straight away pushed the pace in the third as Taleb looked hesitant early which allowed Manawaroa to land some punches and kicks early. Taleb though secured a takedown with just over 60-seconds left where the Canadian fighter landed short punches and elbows. With only 15-seconds remaining though, Manawaroa reversed and immediately passed to mount. There he landed some big shots. Manawaroa looked for the submission as Taleb turned however the buzzer ended the fight.
The decision came in and the verdict was unanimous – Tyler Manawaroa.
A huge win for Team Australia against one of the top Canadian middleweight fighters. In the dressing rooms, Manawaroa came over to thank Taleb for the fight where the Canadian fighter revealed that he believed he broke his foot in the first round.
We return to the welterweight division next episode, as Kyle Noke chooses Australian Richard Walsh to take on Matthew DesRoches.
