TUF 10 Episode 2 Recap: That was boring until Nelson vs. Kimbo was announced

Last week TUF fans were introduced to the two coaches, Kimbo Slice, Roy Nelson and the rest of the heavyweights.

The beginning of the second episode is all about Kimbo Slice. Rampage and his coaches give Slice extra attention to try and get him ready for the inevitable match-up against a Team Rashad grappler.

The scene switches to Team Rashad's training session and the issues with former IFL heavyweight champion Roy Nelson. The coaches from Team Rashad have private "talk" with Nelson where the coaches accuse Roy of not taking his training seriously and that he would rather work his own corner . Roy reminds everyone that he is an experienced veteran, which earns Nelson a verbal undressing with references to Nelson's knockout loss to AndreiArlovski.

All appears well though with Roy's pride being slightly bruised and we are off to watch Team Rampage pick the next fight. Jackson picks JamesMcSweeney of Team Rashad to fight Wes Shivers. McSweeney was Rashad's number one pick where as Shivers is a former NFL player with only has three fights under his belt. Once again it appears that Jackson is making his decision based upon emotion --Quinton even said strategy wasn't a factor-- and the idea that bigger is better.

After a short commercial break we learn a little more about James McSweeney. James is from England and has trained with Greg Jackson's camp for about a year.

Wes Shivers was an offensive tackle in college where he had serious shoulder surgery but rebounded and was drafted in the seventh round by the Tennessee Titans. Shivers was cut and signed by the Atlanta but was let go again. Wes decided to start up a second career as a MMA fighter and holds a 2-1 record. 

Overall the episode is pretty dull and the two events that were teased in last week's episode happened in the first five minutes and were far from compelling television.  Rampage andRashad's banter is entertaining but seems hollow now that their fight is off.

With 30 minutes left in the show we are on to fight day (I smell a decision). 

The fight begins with Shivers securing the early takedown. After laying in James guard for about a minute both fighters stand up, Wes' hands are noticeably by his hips and McSweeney proceeds to land several kicks. Wes responds with his own leg kick but hits James groin. After a brief stoppage the fight resumes and James appears gun shy but soon finds his groove and begins to walk down Wes while landing kicks. At the end of the first round WesShivers' stamina bar is at zero.

It's on to the second round and McSweeney goes back to the leg kicks. James shoots for a single leg takedown but is stuffed and Wes lands a punch. Again Wes' hands are by his hips as he gasps for air before reengaging. This time it is Wes who secures the takedown and uses his size to get to the mount. Wes gets James in a rear-naked choke but can't finish it. James reverses position and is inWes' guard but immediately stands up and backs off. Rashad begins yelling at James to attack as Wes is now completely gassed. James remains gun shy, probably afraid of a takedown due to Wes' size, but continues to land kicks and punches from distance, though there is about 15 seconds between punches. James gets the takedown and gets Wes in a guillotine choke to end the round. Shivers is still on the mat and the cage side doctor immediately comes to talk to him. Rampage asks Wes if he wants to keep going. Wes says yes, though appears to be near the end.

It appears that James McSweeney won round one while Wes Shivers won round two so there will be a third round to determine the winner. Once we return from commercial break we discover that there is a decision and it is no surprise thatMcSweeney defeats Shivers. 

James McSweeney def. Wes Shivers via decision (20-18, 20-18, 19-19).

Evans is smitten with the fact that Jackson picked the first two fights and Team Rashad won both fights and is up 2-0 and Team Rampage's prospects seem dim.

To end the episode we find out what the next fight will be, Rashad picks Roy Nelson to fight Kimbo Slice. A lot is on the line for arguably the two biggest contestants in TUF history. Spike is already calling it the biggest fight in TUF history.