5 things we learned from episode 8 of TUF 29: Team Volkanovski vs Team Ortega

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

Urbina was preparing to fight a wrestler in his first TUF 29 outing, but he'll have to face a striker in Gilmore. However, the newcomer has a more considerable disadvantage to overcome as he stepped in on two days' notice to go against a fighter preparing for a competitive matchup.

The action began with Urbina catching a low kick from Gillmore. The Team Volkanovski middleweight wasted no time as he scrambled to take his opponent's back. Just seconds into the fight, Urbina was looking for a finish as he dished out several rear-naked choke attempts.

Coach Ortega patiently instructed Gilmore on how to get himself out of the precarious situation. Meanwhile, Urbina continued to dish out punishment from a dominant position, peppering his opponent with ground strikes.

TUF 29: Corazones rotos y nuevas oportunidades https://t.co/kF1ChXWmho pic.twitter.com/SOrVsy7rdx

— Hernán Porras Molina (@HernanPorrasM) July 21, 2021

Gillmore continued to search for a way out, but Urbina maintained control of his back as he connected with more strikes. The battle for position went on in front of Team Ortega's corner. Gilmore tried to break Urbina's body triangle by hitting his opponent's shin with his elbow.

His coaches encouraged him to continue, but it would prove to be a costly mistake. Gilmore left his neck exposed as he focused on targeting Urbina's shin. Urbina capitalized on the opportunity and locked in a tight rear-naked choke for the win.

"Taking a fight on two days' notice is a lot to ask of any fighter. Michael did it and I was very impressed by that. But once they got in the octagon, Gilbert just overwhelmed him and finished him early," White said after witnessing the final first-round duel of TUF 29.

1. TUF 29 semi-finals announced

With Team Volkanovski and Team Ortega winning four fights apiece, no teammates will have to face each other in the semis. Moreover, both teams will have an equal shot at winning the season.

Dana White sat down with TUF 29 coaches Volkanovski and Ortega to talk about the matchups. Volkanovski said he's keeping an eye out for Bryan Battle, while Ortega believes Andre Petroski and Tresean Gore will face off in the finale.

TUF 29 bantamweight semi-finals

• Ricky Turcios vs. Liudvik Sholinian

• Brady Hiestand vs. Vincent Murdock

TUF 29 middlweight semi-finals:

• Bryan Battle vs. Andre Petroski

• Gilbert Urbina vs. Tresean Gore