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

#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.