The Ultimate Fighter Week 4 Recap

Tim is a real veteran with a 10-2 record, with his two losses to significant fighters like Joey Villasenor at KOTC and Chael Sonnen at Bodog. Matthew Riddle though doesn't seem to have any professional record, and trains at a small gym in Arlington, Pennsylvania.

Tim was all business at the weigh-in, seemingly taking offense to Riddle's face that was all smiles. Both weighed in at 186 pounds, but really not sure how serious Riddle is taking the entire event. Matthew was even talking about how he has "time" should he lose in order to bounce back. May play a factor down the road should he move forward. Team Rampage is looking for a big win from Matthew though, since that will allow them control of next fight selection.

Tale of the Tape

Matthew Riddle    Name    Tim Credeur

        22                Age        30

        6'2''                Height    6'3''

        74.25''            Reach    74.25''

        1-0                 Record    10-2

Round 1:

Matthew is very aggressive right out of the gate, going for a single leg, then going upstairs to get Tim's back. Matthew showing great patience as he tried to work in a body triangle, but Tim was able to escape and they both get back to the feet. Tim nailed Matthew with 2 strong outside leg kicks, but doesn't follow up. Matthew goes for another single leg, then goes high to score another take-down. Tim is able to stand, and they exchange again, but this time Tim is able to reverse Matthew's take down attempt and get one himself. After a great back and forth on the ground, with Matthew getting the better of the exchanges, Tim is able to get mount, and starts raining blows. This goes on for almost 45 seconds before Matthew turns and gives Tim his back. Not enough time left for Tim to sink in a rear naked choke. While Tim dominated the last minute, Matthew was winning for most of the round. 

10-9 round for Matthew

Round 2:

Matthew again starts aggressively, with a high kick, then gets the take-down. Tim is able to reverse, and then after a brief exchange, himself gets top position. All you can hear Rampage say is for Matthew to "get up". Tim has Matthew sprawled against the cage, and he almost looks gassed. Tim finally lets loose enough for Matthew to stand, and Matthew starts throwing with everything he has left. Matthew again gets another take down, and does not want to let Tim stand back up, despite Rampage's insistence that he do so. You can see why as Tim almost sneaks in a triangle choke, and then arm bar. It almost looked like Matthew was going to get out of it, but Tim gets top position, and pulls the arm bar strong enough for Matthew to tap.

Final Thoughts: Tim showed he can stand and exchange, can take a punch, and has a great ground game. His conditioning is suspect, but has enough skill to pull off submissions even when tired. Matthew was totally gassed, and simply showed that he was not ready for a big show.