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

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

On this week's TUF 29, the Washington natives appear to be evenly matched due to their understanding of each other's game. Hiestand and Rettinghouse went the distance in a highly competitive back-and-forth scrap that required a sudden death round to determine the victor.

In the opening round of this TUF 29 matchup, Hiestand wasted no time and went for a takedown attempt. With his back against the fence, Rettinghouse threatened a kimura, but Hiestand was eventually able to complete the takedown. Moments later, Hiestand secured a rear-naked choke that looked deep but Rettinghouse would not tap out.

The start of round two was deja vu for Rettinghouse as his opponent went for another takedown attempt. But this time around, Rettinghouse successfully broke away from his opponent's grasp.

Adamant to take on the role of the aggressor, Hiestand continued to move forward and pressure his opponent. But Rettinghouse found a home for his counter punch and followed it up with a knee to the head that evidently did some serious damage. Rettinghouse started to find his range as he got the better of the striking exchanges.

Rettinghouse completed a takedown in the third, but was unable to do significant damage once the fight shifted to the ground. Hiestand was able to get back up and return the favor with a takedown of his own. The former teammates engaged in an exhausting scramble for position in the clinch as the final seconds ticked away.

#TUF29 OFFICIAL RESULTS: Brady Hiestand (@bradyHiestand1) defeated Josh Rettinghouse via split decision pic.twitter.com/9T9C6UShgV

— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) July 14, 2021

In the end, Hiestand squeaked by with a narrow split decision victory to give Team Volkanovski its third consecutive win.

#1. TUF 29 is proof that Alexander Volkanovski is a class act

Unlike Brian Ortega, who enjoyed bragging after wins, Alexander Volkanovski proved to be classy in victory and defeat. The UFC featherweight champion was ecstatic after snagging his third win in TUF 29, but he didn't come off as disrespectful.

Volkanovski also made the selection for the next matchup in the TUF 29 middleweight division. He chose Gilbert Urbina from his squad to go up against Team Ortega’s Miles Hunsinger.

After the fight announcement, Volkanovski offered his rival coach a fist bump that Ortega reluctantly took. Despite seemingly getting fed up with his challenger's antics in previous TUF 29 episodes, Volkanovski has proven that he's a genuine sportsman through and through.