The Ultimate Fighter 12 episode 3: Team GSP keeps lead

Team GSP added a second win in episode three of the mixed martial arts reality show that pitches 14 fighters on two teams against each other to win a much coveted contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Coach Georges St.-Pierre proved once again that he is a brilliant strategist when he prepared this season's favorite, Michael "The Menace" Johnson, for his upcoming bout against Team Koscheck's Aaron Wilkinson from England. By being fully aware of Wilkinson's strengths as well as his weaknesses GSP crafted the perfect game plan for Johnson that included avoiding the Brit's powerful right hand by circling to his left, scoring points with takedowns, and finishing him with lethal doses of ground and pound.

Coach Koscheck followed suit by developing a game plan based on Wllkinson's strengths, too, but he might have eroded his fighter's confidence somewhat by pointing out that Johnson was the better wrestler when Wilkonson wanted to incorporate takedowns. Nevertheless, Wilkinson followed Koscheck's plan of using combinations in stand-up and takedowns only when he had Johnson against the fence or as counter to a leg kick.

UFC President Dana White brought boxing legend, Mike Tyson as special guest to the bout at the request of GSP which clearly motivated Johnson.

"I have been a Mike Tyson fan all my life and I am so excited to have the great Mike Tyson watch my fight and hopefully become a Michael Johnson fan."

In spite of GSP's coaching Johnson seemed to have a hard time avoiding Wilkinson's right which caught him several times while he kept punching air. Eventually he was able to retaliate with takedowns and some ground and pound but the Brit managed to return the favor which resulted in a rather even score until Wilkinson took control with a final take-down followed by vicious ground and pound to finish the round strong and clearly in the lead.

In the second round Wilkinson overwhelmed Johnson again in stand-up by landing more shots and repeating his takedown maneuvers while racking up the points as Johnson seemed increasingly exhausted. But this time Johnson was able to turn up the heat as the round came to a close which resulted in White announcing a third, 'sudden-death' round.

Knowing fully well that the only the winner of the third round would move on to next round in the competition, Johnson came out of his corner laying it all on the line with one final burst of energy. Since GSP had just reminded him that Wilkinson 'cannot fight when he is going backwards' Johnson charged at the Brit like a bull seeing red and finished him with a takedown followed by vicious ground and pound which prompted the referee to stop the fight and award Johnson the win via TKO.

Koscheck showed great support of his fighter and encouraged Wilkinson to keep training hard since the Wild Card was still up for grabs, meaning that Wilkinson still had a chance to make it into the quarterfinals if White selected him as one of the two available Wild Cards in the competition.

Team GSP maintains the lead and will pick the fighters for next bout.

Episode four will air on Oct. 6 on Spike TV at 10 p.m.

Complete team rosters and results:

Team GSP: 2-0
Michael Johnson 1-0
Jonathan Brookins
Spencer Paige
Alex Caceres 1-0
Kyle Watson
Cody McKenzie
Dane Sayers

Team Koscheck: 0-2
Marc Stevens
Sevak Magakian
Sako Chivitchian
Andrew Main
Nam Phan
Aaron Wilkinson--eliminated by Michael Johnson in episode three.
Jeffrey Lentz--eliminated by Alex Caceres in episode two.

Keep track of all TUF 12 season fight results here: http://mmasphere.com/?p=5273