5 things we learned from episode 7 of TUF 29: Team Volkanovski vs Team Ortega

#4. Friendships get tested at TUF 29

TUF 29 contestants Brady Hiestand and Josh Rettinghouse both admitted that they wouldn't want to fight each other if they didn't have to. Coaches Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega, on the other hand, are in agreement that the fight needs to happen, especially because of their relationship.

"So, I'm matched up with Josh for my first fight in the house and I'm okay with it," Hiestand said. "I'm not afraid of the matchup or anything like that but it is what it is."

Meanwhile, Rettinghouse was more upfront about his hesitation to go head-to-head with his close friend. However, the Team Ortega member understands that he's in TUF 29 to take care of business:

"Honestly, if I had to fight anyone, he'd be the last person I'd choose," Rettinghouse admitted. "But at the end of the day, he's gonna be a body inside the cage and he's gonna be trying to knock my head off and I just have to go there and knock his head off."

UFC president Dana White had some wise words to say before the two men collided in a TUF 29 showdown:

"In able to make it to the top of the sport, at one point or another, fighters end up having to face teammates or their friends. It's just inevitable. This is one of those times in this competition when it gets really hard. They're friends. They're roommates in the house. This is a true test of who has that killer instinct. Who wants it more? Who really wants to win this thing and be a world champion? Who can flip that switch and go into this fight and win?"

#3. TUF 29 fighter bio: Brady Hiestand (Team Volkanovski) vs. Josh Rettinghouse (Team Ortega)

TUF 29: Brady Hiestand vs. Josh Rettinghouse [ Photo credit: @bambam__hiestand on Instagram]

Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Brady Hiestand is a volunteer firefighter. He trains at Sik-Jitsu with TUF season 15 winner and top UFC welterweight contender Michael Chiesa. 'Maverick' has vouched for his teammate and even predicted that Hiestand will emerge as this season's winner.

It's me and @jretty next week!!! Raising Spokane, Washington. 🙌 We'll give you a good fight. 🤜🤛 #TUF29 #TheUltimateFighter #ESPN #UFC #mma #mmafighter #bantamweight #martialarts #fighter#mixedmartialarts #brazilianjiujitsu #nextweek #watchout #getready pic.twitter.com/3ImWBPYz1y

— Brady Hiestand (@bradyHiestand1) July 7, 2021

Josh Rettinghouse is also a Spokane, Washington resident. He claims to be very familiar with Hiestand's game as they have spent some time training together in the past. As he pursues a career in professional MMA, Rettinghouse also works as a certified public accountant. He trains at Warrior Camp MMA and has been wrestling since his high school days.