5 important things we learned from episode 9 of TUF 29: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega

#4. TUF 29 fighter bio: Liudvik Sholinian (Team Ortega) and Ricky Turcios (Team Volkanovski)

Liudvik Sholinian is one of the most experienced fighters in TUF 29, with a pro-MMA record of nine wins and one defeat. His experience shone during training camp as his coaches praised him for being someone who doesn't need much direction.

Despite the language barrier, coach Brian Ortega said Shaolinian is one of the fighters who just "gets it." The Armenian-born fighter secured his semi-final slot by knocking off TUF 29 first overall pick Mitch Raposo from Team Volkanovski.

Meanwhile, Ricky Turcios is described by his coaches and fellow TUF 29 contestants as a somewhat eccentric character. Hence, he earned the nickname 'The Cult Leader.'

Turcios was very introspective about his TUF 29 journey. The episode opened with him talking to teammate Bryan Battle about being away from electronics and other distractions. He defeated Team Ortega's Dan Argueta to advance to the semis.

#3. Brian Ortega is late again; Alexander Volkanovski strikes back

TUF 29: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega

Alexander Volkanovski wasn't lying when he said Brian Ortega is always late. Team Ortega members themselves have admitted that their coach has a problem with tardiness. Andre Petroski said Ortega rarely shows up on time for training sessions.

However, bantamweight Josh Rettinghouse claimed that no one on the team is bothered by their coach's tardiness. According to Rettinghouse:

"I don't know, I guess there are timely people in the world and there are untimely [ones]. Ultimately, I don't think anyone is too upset with it. We just kinda learned to deal with it."

Volkanovski saw Ortega's problems with time management as an opportunity to strike back. As payback for a prank Ortega played on him in episode 6, the UFC featherweight champ placed several clocks around his opponent's locker room.

Once Ortega had finally arrived, he found a half-naked Volkanovski, surrounded by a bunch of clocks, in his locker room. 'T-City' burst into laughter as he wasn't expecting Team Volkanovski's revenge prank to be that silly.

"It was just funny, man. It was basically him just making fun of himself," Ortega said.

"This is from the heart. I'm trying to help as much as I can so we can all try to be on time, okay?" mentioned Volkanovski.