The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 Finale Preview
McCarthy vs. Ray
Nov 10, 2006
Charles McCarthy
(Pictures), affectionately known as
“Chainsaw” (a nickname taken from the song “Chainsaw Charley” by
80s metal band W.A.S.P.), seemed to be a bundle of nerves from the
get-go and was an emotional wreck throughout TUF 4.
Even with his solid record outside the Octagon, he likely left some viewers questioning his desire to fight at this level. “Captain Miserable” lost his bout for the contract early on in the show, falling to Pete Sell (Pictures) in a somewhat competitive match. Sell dominated the extra round and took a decision.
Known as “The Gladiator” and fighting out of UFC veteran Keith Hackney (Pictures)’s Reality Combat Academy outside Chicago, Gideon Ray (Pictures) faced two tough customers in the UFC — title contenders Mike Swick (Pictures) and David Loiseau (Pictures) — and never really had a chance to show anything in the grand cage. On The Ultimate Fighter Gideon opened up Edwin Dewees (Pictures) early in their bloody three-round affair only to lose by decision.
Though McCarthy was his own worst enemy on the show and provided much of the Real World drama we’ve seen in previous TUF seasons, he still knows his way around the cage. The submission fighter, who represents American Top Team in South Florida and the Academy of Fighting Arts in Georgia, relies heavily on his ground game. Ray is more of a complete package. He can play the submission game with Charles and do well (he’s tapped seven opponents including a few leg subs) but he likes to pound people, too.
He’ll need to “move like water” (credit to Bruce Lee) and adapt to what Charles gives him. The opportunity for the big strikes will be there. They may not come in bunches, as McCarthy will roll and spin and cover up to avoid, but the opportunity to hit McCarthy will present itself and Gideon has to be ready. If the Chicagoan can stay calm, play the grappling game early and pick his strikes I think Ray will find his mark and drop hammers on “Captain Miserable” for the win.
Even with his solid record outside the Octagon, he likely left some viewers questioning his desire to fight at this level. “Captain Miserable” lost his bout for the contract early on in the show, falling to Pete Sell (Pictures) in a somewhat competitive match. Sell dominated the extra round and took a decision.
Known as “The Gladiator” and fighting out of UFC veteran Keith Hackney (Pictures)’s Reality Combat Academy outside Chicago, Gideon Ray (Pictures) faced two tough customers in the UFC — title contenders Mike Swick (Pictures) and David Loiseau (Pictures) — and never really had a chance to show anything in the grand cage. On The Ultimate Fighter Gideon opened up Edwin Dewees (Pictures) early in their bloody three-round affair only to lose by decision.
Though McCarthy was his own worst enemy on the show and provided much of the Real World drama we’ve seen in previous TUF seasons, he still knows his way around the cage. The submission fighter, who represents American Top Team in South Florida and the Academy of Fighting Arts in Georgia, relies heavily on his ground game. Ray is more of a complete package. He can play the submission game with Charles and do well (he’s tapped seven opponents including a few leg subs) but he likes to pound people, too.
He’ll need to “move like water” (credit to Bruce Lee) and adapt to what Charles gives him. The opportunity for the big strikes will be there. They may not come in bunches, as McCarthy will roll and spin and cover up to avoid, but the opportunity to hit McCarthy will present itself and Gideon has to be ready. If the Chicagoan can stay calm, play the grappling game early and pick his strikes I think Ray will find his mark and drop hammers on “Captain Miserable” for the win.
