TUF 33 Update: Cormier Evens Score as Donchenko Delivers First Win for Team DC

The tension is mounting, fight fans! Just two weeks into The Ultimate Fighter 33, and we’ve already got ourselves a proper rivalry brewing between coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen. Team Cormier has finally landed on the scoreboard thanks to Russian prospect Daniil Donchenko, evening things up at 1-1 in what’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling TUF seasons in recent memory.

Donchenko Brings Balance to Team Cormier’s Universe

After Team Sonnen drew first blood in the season opener, the pressure was mounting on DC’s squad. Enter Daniil Donchenko, the Russian fighter who stepped into the octagon with something to prove. And prove it he did!

I’ve been following TUF since the early days, and there’s nothing quite like watching a coach get that first win. You could see the relief wash over Cormier’s face as his fighter got the job done. Remember when Tito and Ken were at each other’s throats back in the day? This Cormier-Sonnen rivalry is giving me those same delicious vibes.

Insert image of Cormier celebrating with Donchenko after the victory here

The Cormier-Sonnen Chess Match Intensifies

What makes this season particularly interesting is the coaching contrast. On one side, we have Olympic wrestler and former double-champ Daniel Cormier bringing his technical expertise and emotional investment. On the other, the quick-witted “American Gangster” Chael Sonnen, whose psychological warfare is as sharp as ever.

Now that the score is tied 1-1, the strategic element kicks into overdrive. Who will gain the psychological edge? Which team’s training approach will prove superior? These aren’t just fights—they’re chapters in a compelling narrative between two of MMA’s most colorful personalities.

Breaking Down Team Cormier’s First Victory

Donchenko didn’t just win—he made a statement. The Russian fighter showcased a well-rounded game that suggests Cormier’s coaching is already paying dividends. His performance featured:

• Crisp striking combinations that kept his opponent guessing
• Surprisingly efficient takedown defense (clearly a DC specialty)
• Excellent cardio and pacing throughout the contest

This win couldn’t have come at a better time for Team Cormier. In these tournament formats, momentum is everything, and now DC has something to build on.

What This Means for TUF 33 Going Forward

With the score evened up, we’re essentially looking at a reset button. Both coaches now have tape to study, strengths to identify, and weaknesses to exploit. The fighter selection process for upcoming matchups becomes even more crucial.

You can bet Sonnen is already in the lab cooking up both fight strategies and verbal jabs for the next episode. That’s what makes him such compelling television—the man can coach, but he can also get under your skin like nobody’s business.

The Fighters to Watch This Season

Beyond Donchenko’s impressive showing, several other fighters have caught my eye in the early goings of TUF 33:

• Team Sonnen’s first victor showed excellent finishing instinct
• The level of international talent this season seems particularly high
• Several fighters appear UFC-ready even at this early stage

What makes TUF special is watching these raw talents develop under elite coaching. Two weeks in, and we’re already seeing technical improvements across both teams.

Why TUF 33 Could Be the Comeback Season Fans Have Waited For

Let’s be honest—TUF has had its ups and downs over the years. But when you pair two personalities like Cormier and Sonnen, add in hungry fighters, and let the competition unfold organically, you get the kind of authentic drama that made this show a hit in the first place.

With the series now tied 1-1, every fight takes on added significance. The coaches’ challenges will become more heated, the training more intense, and the mind games more elaborate.

What’s Your Take?

Are you Team DC or Team Chael? Which fighters have impressed you most so far? The beauty of TUF is how it lets us into the world of fighter development in real-time, creating new stars before our eyes.

Next week can’t come soon enough, as we’ll see which coach can pull ahead in this increasingly personal coaching battle. Will Cormier build on this momentum, or will Sonnen’s squad bounce back? One thing’s for sure—I’ll be glued to my screen finding out.

Drop your predictions in the comments, and let’s break down this season together as it unfolds!