Jimmy Quinlan vs. Clint Hester - TUF 17 - UFC
Team Sonnen’s Jimmy Quinlan (left) takes on Clint Hester of Team Jones on TUF 17 episode 7. Photo courtesy UFC.com.

Following Josh Samman’s first round TKO win over Tor Troeng in episode 6, Coach Jon Jones selected his No. 1 pick Clint Hester to take on Jimmy Quinlan of Team Sonnen.

Hester said he’s been wanting to fight Hester since the beginning and he thinks it’s a good match-up. Hester said he knows Quinlan is a very good grappler and he’s expecting a “huge fight”.

Field Trip

The coaches take the guys to Hooters for some food and drinks. Of course they are ecstatic for a chance to get out of the house and unwind. Gilbert Smith puts on a Hooter’s girl shirt and does a rip-tease for the Hooters girls.

All the guys from Team Sonnen gather to take a photo together, except Uriah Hall, who has found yet another way to alienate himself. Collin Hart calls him “self righteous” and a “jerk” and says he hopes he’s the one to get a piece of him.

Hall says he’s having trouble sleeping because his mind is constantly thinking about fighting. Assistant Coach Scott McQuary said Hall is very hard on himself, but that he works very hard and he’s trying to get him to understand that he needs to take time out to rest.

Next we see Coach McQuary sitting with Hall and taking him through a guided meditation to help calm his thoughts.

Hospital Visit for Samman

Josh Samman’s left leg is hurting badly the day after his fight. The last time it hurt that bad is when he pulled his quad and he ended up getting a blood clot and almost died. There’s a history of blood clots in his family so he goes to the hospital to get it checked out.

The ultrasound came back and there was no evidence of a blood clot. Samman is relieved and says hopefully he’ll be able to fight in a week or two.

Jimmy Quinlan

Jimmy Quinlan said he went to school for Criminal Justice and worked as a policeman. They told him he always has a home there so when he’s done fighting he will likely return to the police force.

Sonnen said Clint Hester looked fantastic in tryouts and he and Jones both wanted him, but Jones ended up with him as his first round pick. Quinlan said as far as intimidation goes, Hester is a pretty scary looking guy.

Sonnen said he’s never seen a tournament this loaded in all of MMA and he needs his guys to know that he cares and that he’s there for them. He gives an inspiring and motivational speech to the team and Quinlan.

Clint Hester

Clint Hester said he tries to remain humble as possible. He grew up in Georgia near Atlanta. He said he had no worries growing up, always knew where his next meal was coming from but for some reason always liked to fight.

Hester said he started boxing back in 2005. The gym closed down, then he found another gym that happened to be an MMA gym. He tried it out, loved it, about 10 months later he had his first MMA fight.

Jones said Hester is always happy, always smiling. Jones said he’s one of the few guys who implements the techniques they teach him right away, and not many fighters can do that.

Jones thinks Hester has what it takes to deal with Quinlan’s wrestling. He did admit Hester needs a little work on his cardio, but other than that he doesn’t see many holes in his game.

Weigh-ins and pre-fight

The guys weigh in — Clint Hester: 185 pounds vs. Jimmy Quinlan: 185.5 pounds

Uriah Hall says Quinlan could take down a horse but he’s going to have to watch out for getting caught with something.

Quinlan said he likes Hester a lot actually. Hester said Quinlan is “unreadable” and he loves his sense of humor and personality, even though some of the others don’t get along with him and think he’s a dick.

Clint Hester (Team Jones) vs. Jimmy Quinlan (Team Sonnen)

Round 1 – Quinlan shoots right away, carries Hester across the cage for a big slam, lands in side control. Hester gets up pretty quick but Quinlan stays on him pressing against the cage, drops levels and gets him down. Hester makes his way up but gets slammed. Instantly Hester is making his way back up as Quinlan hangs on him with a body lock. Hester gets underhooks, then a guillotine, gives him a big knee and presses Quinlan to the cage. Big knee to the body from Hester, he unloads some punches and Quinlan shoots for the single, gets the leg and drives Hester to the cage. Hester gives him some big body shots while Quinlan is holding his leg, he continues trying to get Hester down and finally gets him on his butt with his back to the cage. Quinlan is doing no damage. Hester gets back up and gives him a big knee, but Quinlan picks him up for another big slam. Inside full guard, Hester tees off on him from his back. Quinlan tries to hold him down, pure lay and pray. Personally, I give the round to Hester 10-9 even though Quinlan had top position he did nothing. Their teammates seem to disagree on who won the round.

Round 2 – Jones tells Hester Quinlan doesn’t like getting hit and says he’s not a fighter. Hester shoots in at the start of the round. Quinlan catches him and drops for a guillotine. Hester escapes but continues looking for the takedown. Quinlan defends and gets Hester down with his back to the cage. Once again he’s trying to hold him down. Quinlan takes his back, then ends up in full mount as Hester spins. He unloads a few punches finally as Hester gives up his back. Quinlan locks in the choke and Hester quickly taps. Wow! That was surprising that he tapped so quickly.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Jimmy Quinlan def. Clint Hester by submission (Rear-Naked Choke) Rd 2

Sonnen says he gave round one to Hester actually.

Sonnen brings Jones a Team Sonnen jersey he’s required to wear following the whooping he put on him in bowling last episode.

Final preliminary match

By default the last match-up will be Zak Cummings (15-3), 28, Kansas City, Mo. of Team Sonnen vs. Dylan Andrews (16-4-1), 32, Gold Coast, AUS of Team Jones.

Sonnen said Dylan didn’t stand out in the tryouts and he was Jones’ last pick. Cummings said Dylan is probably the nicest guy he’s ever met and would never want to fight him under normal circumstances.

Next episode will feature the coach’s challenge and the final preliminary bout between Cummings vs. Andrews.

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