5 important things we learned from episode 9 of TUF 29: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega

The ninth episode of the popular reality contest, The Ultimate Fighter season 29 (TUF 29): Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega, aired on ESPN+ Tuesday night.

This week's installment kick-started the semi-finals as the teams of UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and title challenger Brian Ortega scored four victories apiece in the quarter-final round.

Team Ortega dominated the TUF 29 quarter-finals early on, with Andre Petroski, Liudvik Sholinian, Tresean Gore and Vincent Murdock stringing together four consecutive victories. But when it appeared that Team Volkanovski was down and out, Bryan Battle, Ricky Turcios, Brady Hiestand and Gilbert Urbina brought their squad back with four straight wins of their own.

The winning fighters have now moved one step closer to winning the coveted UFC contract. This week it will be Team Volkanovski's Turcios against Team Ortega's Shaolinian.

Who reigned supreme? Find out as we discuss five things we learned from episode 9 of TUF 29.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for TUF 29 episode 9.

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#5. TUF 29 semi-finals are tougher

The stakes are higher in the semi-final rounds. As such, each matchup from here on is scheduled for three rounds with a possible "sudden victory" overtime. In comparison, the preliminary round fights only comprised two rounds with a possible third if the fight gets scored a draw.

The semi-final matchups were announced last week after Dana White sat down with the coaches to discuss and deliberate. Since both squads got four wins each, no teammates were forced to square off against each other.

Because the semis are expected to be tougher, White decided to give the fighters an opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones before their bouts. According to the UFC boss:

"I loved how these guys went in there and battled in the way that they did. So because of that, I decided to reward each of the semi-finalists with a call home. It's sort of a recharge of their batteries as they head into the biggest fight of their lives."

#4. TUF 29 fighter bio: Liudvik Sholinian (Team Ortega) and Ricky Turcios (Team Volkanovski)

Liudvik Sholinian is one of the most experienced fighters in TUF 29, with a pro-MMA record of nine wins and one defeat. His experience shone during training camp as his coaches praised him for being someone who doesn't need much direction.

Despite the language barrier, coach Brian Ortega said Shaolinian is one of the fighters who just "gets it." The Armenian-born fighter secured his semi-final slot by knocking off TUF 29 first overall pick Mitch Raposo from Team Volkanovski.

Meanwhile, Ricky Turcios is described by his coaches and fellow TUF 29 contestants as a somewhat eccentric character. Hence, he earned the nickname 'The Cult Leader.'

Turcios was very introspective about his TUF 29 journey. The episode opened with him talking to teammate Bryan Battle about being away from electronics and other distractions. He defeated Team Ortega's Dan Argueta to advance to the semis.

#3. Brian Ortega is late again; Alexander Volkanovski strikes back

TUF 29: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega

Alexander Volkanovski wasn't lying when he said Brian Ortega is always late. Team Ortega members themselves have admitted that their coach has a problem with tardiness. Andre Petroski said Ortega rarely shows up on time for training sessions.

However, bantamweight Josh Rettinghouse claimed that no one on the team is bothered by their coach's tardiness. According to Rettinghouse:

"I don't know, I guess there are timely people in the world and there are untimely [ones]. Ultimately, I don't think anyone is too upset with it. We just kinda learned to deal with it."

Volkanovski saw Ortega's problems with time management as an opportunity to strike back. As payback for a prank Ortega played on him in episode 6, the UFC featherweight champ placed several clocks around his opponent's locker room.

Once Ortega had finally arrived, he found a half-naked Volkanovski, surrounded by a bunch of clocks, in his locker room. 'T-City' burst into laughter as he wasn't expecting Team Volkanovski's revenge prank to be that silly.

"It was just funny, man. It was basically him just making fun of himself," Ortega said.

"This is from the heart. I'm trying to help as much as I can so we can all try to be on time, okay?" mentioned Volkanovski.

#2. Who won in this week's TUF 29 episode?

TUF 29 semis: Ricky Turcios vs Liudvik Shaolinian [Photo credit: @rickyturcios on IG]

The TUF 29 semi-final fight began with Rick Turcios finding success early by landing a few leg kicks and some jabs. Meanwhile, Liudvik Shaolinian patiently waited for an opening to return fire.

Midway through the opening round, Turcios initiated a clinch as he cornered his opponent against the fence. The pair of semi-finalists traded short shots before breaking up the clinch and returning to the center of the octagon. Wanting to finish strong, Turcios unleashed a combination that sent his opponent reeling as the first round came to an end.

Realizing that he was getting lit up on the feet, Shaolinian decided to utilize his wrestling advantage. He shot for a takedown and successfully took his opponent to the ground. Later on, Dana White would say he was surprised Shaolinian didn't immediately try to turn the fight into a grappling contest.

Once the fight shifted to the ground, Turcios remained active off his back as Shaolinian attempted to secure a more dominant position. The Team Volkanovski bantamweight successfully got back into a standing position and resumed control of the striking exchanges.

Turcios tried to land a takedown of his own, but the former Armenian national team wrestler was able to defend. After a couple of scrambles, the TUF 29 contestants got back to their feet, where they would trade blows as the horn went off.

Turcios was visibly fatigued but fired up to begin the third round. He continued to take on the role of the aggressor as he stalked his opponent. At this point, Turcios connected on almost every punch he was throwing as Shaolinian dropped his hands in exhaustion.

The TUF 29 semi-finalists continued to engage in a brawl until the clock ran out. After an exhilarating battle, Team Volkanovski's Turcios was declared the winner. He moves on to the TUF 29 finale, where he will face either Vincent Murdock or Brady Hiestand.

#1. What's in store for next week's TUF 29 episode?

Next week's TUF 29 episode will shift back to the middleweight division. Team Volkanovski's final middleweight pick, Bryan Battle, will face off against Team Ortega's first overall pick Andre Petroski.

Plus, the TUF 29 contestants will take part in a special challenge that has something to do with changing a vehicle's tires. Check back in next week as we discuss episode 10 of TUF 29.