5 things we learned from episode 11 of TUF 29: Team Volkanovski vs Team Ortega

The 11th episode of the reality competition show, The Ultimate Fighter season 29 (TUF 29): Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega, dropped on ESPN+ Tuesday night.

This week's installment featured the last semi-final bout in the bantamweight division between up-and-comer Brady Hiestand and veteran Vincent Murdock. The winner will take on Ricky Turcios, who booked his ticket to the finals by outduelling Liudvik Sholinian.

In last week's episode, Team Volkanovski secured another spot in the finale when Bryan Battle scored a massive upset over Team Ortega's Andre Petroski. There was a massive momentum shift as the title challenger's squad suffered six consecutive losses after winning their first four bouts.

Who was able to make it into the finale? Find out as we discuss five things we learned from episode 11 of TUF 29.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for TUF 29 episode 11.

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#5. Brian Ortega keeps the TUF 29 prank wars going

TUF 29 head coach Brian Ortega [Photo via @briantcity on Instagram]

Coach Brian Ortega upped the ante of the ongoing TUF 29 prank wars. The UFC featherweight title challenger enlisted the services of an exotic pet owner to pull off a classic prank on his rival.

The champion previously took a jibe at Ortega's habitual tardiness by stuffing his locker room with dozens of clocks. How did Ortega retaliate? He brought over three massive snakes with the intention of terrifying his rival coach.

'T-City' snuck inside Team Volkanovski's locker room and left the giant reptiles there. The mischievous coach said:

"I wanna scare the s*** out of Volkanovski," Ortega said. "I want him to come in here and freak out."

Hiestand was the first to enter the room and ran away once sighting the snakes. Once Volkanovski walked in, though, Ortega didn't get the reaction he was hoping for. The Australian fighter's first instinct was to try and touch them instead of backing away.

"I walk in and I see these big-looking snakes on the ground," Volkanovski revealed. "Looking at them, I thought they were fake, that's how big they were. And then I start seeing the thing start moving and I was like, 'Oh, s***! This is legit!'"

Shortly thereafter, Volkanovski was carrying the largest snake on his shoulders. Although the prank didn't elicit the intended response, Ortega still cried in laughter at the sight of Volkanovski holding the snake.

#4. UFC legend Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone makes TUF 29 cameo

Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone was recently featured at TUF 29

The TUF 29 contestants got to meet another UFC star. This week it was lightweight legend Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone.

The record holder for most UFC wins dropped by to share some knowledge with Team Volkanovski. 'Cowboy' spoke to the UFC aspirants about enjoying the "rollercoaster" process of training and life as a professional fighter in general.

"It's cool that you guys are fighting every week," Cerrone said. "I've made a career out of taking short-notice fights and fighting all the time so being ready and staying ready, I'm sure these guys are helping you. The days when you think about making an excuse are the days that turn out to be the best training."

"Enjoy the whole ride whether your career goes all the way to the top or you just kind of float in the middle. It's just so cool to be a part of it all, so that's all I've got to say. Just enjoy the ride."

Cerrone proceeded to hit the mat with the Team Volkanovski boys in the lead-up to this week's TUF 29 semi-finals bout.

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#3. Team Volkanovski and Team Ortega square off in TUF coaches' challenge

The TUF 29 head coaches faced off in a game of cornhole at the UFC APEX.

Alexander Volkanovski admitted he was good at many things, but cornhole wasn't one of them. But the champ was eager to step up to the plate as he wanted to deliver the win for his team.

Unfortunately, Ortega wasn't great at cornhole either. As a result, the game dragged on for the first few rounds as Volkanovski and Ortega kept canceling each other's points out.

'T-City' eventually warmed up and clicked into gear to pull away from his opponent. In the end, Ortega won $10,000 for himself and $1,500 for each member of Team Ortega. But Ortega chose not to keep his prize. Instead, the TUF 29 coach asked Dana White for an additional $2,000 and distributed the money among Team Volkanovski fighters.

The selfless act won over Team Volkanovski's Mitch Raposo, who was rubbed by Ortega the wrong way earlier in the season. The champion also praised his rivals for the generous gesture.

#2. TUF 29 bio: Brady Hiestand (Team Volkanovski) and Vincent Murdock (Team Ortega)

TUF 29 bantamweight Brady Hiestand is a volunteer firefighter based in Spokane, Washington. He trains at Sik-Jitsu alongside TUF season 15 winner and top UFC welterweight contender Michael Chiesa. 'Maverick' previously praised Hiestand's work ethic and predicted that his teammate would win it all.

Hiestand advanced to the semis after defeating his close friend Josh Rettinghouse via split decision. At 22-years-old, Hiestand is one of the youngest contestants in TUF 29.

Vincent Murdock was the last overall pick despite being one of the most experienced fighters on the cast. A member of the famed Team Alpha Male, Murdock was once signed to UFC.

Days before his supposed octagon debut, Murdock failed a medical test when his brain scans revealed he was suffering from a fatal brain condition. The bantamweight fighter was diagnosed with a rare disease called moyamoya. Thankfully, he was able to recover after undergoing surgery.

Murdock defeated Dustin Lampros of Team Volkanovski to make his way into the semis. The 30-year-old believes winning TUF 29 is his final shot to take his career to the next level.

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#1. Who won and who's fighting on next week's TUF 29 episode?

TUF 29 semis: Brady Hiestand vs. Vincent Murdock [Photo via @bambam_hiestand on Instagram]

The classic veteran vs. whippersnapper matchup between Brady Hiestand and Vincent Murdock was not competitive at all. Hiestand breezed through his opponent with ease as he utilized his wrestling and ground-and-pound to get the job done.

The 22-year-old immediately shot for a takedown and completed his attempt with little resistance from Murdock. Hiestand went on to rain down punches and elbows from the top as Murdock tried to defend himself.

Hiestand was able to deliver punishment as he tried to secure a more dominant position. As Murdock rolled to the side, Hiestand continued to unleash heavy shots at the downed veteran to get the TKO stoppage in the opening round.

Shortly after the fight, Murdock revealed that he had blown out his knee early on. According to the Team Ortega vet, the injury prevented him from protecting himself appropriately.

With the win, Hiestand earned a spot in the TUF 29 finale, where he will face his Team Volkanovski teammate Ricky Turcios.

Next week, Team Ortega's Tresean Gore will try to secure the last spot in the TUF 29 middleweight finals against Team Volkanovski's Gilbert Urbina.