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

4. Disaster strikes for Team Ortega

As the spotlight shifted to Team Ortega's Miles Hunsinger, we learned that he had hyper-extended his knee as he prepared for his fight. The middleweight hopeful was worried that he might have to be pulled out of the competition.

When Hunsinger went home to the TUF house, he tried his best to keep a straight face and hide the fact that he's injured. He didn't even tell his teammates at Team Ortega.

The diagnosis of his injury was a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Hunsinger was told that he could fight, but there's a very high risk of causing further significant damage. The doctor said it was ultimately up to Hunsinger whether or not he wanted to fight on. The Team Ortega member said:

"I worked my whole life to be in this situation. I saw The Ultimate Fighter as a kid and I wanted to compete on this show. Just praying that I could make the right decision, man."

Heartbroken, Hunsinger spoke with his Team Ortega coaches to ask for their inputs on how he should proceed. But in the end, he decided it would be best if he sits this fight out.

3. A replacement was chosen for Team Ortega

One man's tragedy was another man's opportunity. Michael Gilmore, who previously did not make the cut, was called back by Dana White to assess whether he'd be a worthy replacement.

"Luckily we have another middleweight, Michael Gilmore, who's still in Vegas and this guy is dying to get into the competition," White said.

It was a curious decision on the producers' part as, in previous TUF seasons, replacement spots were usually awarded to fighters who had lost. But Dana White appeared to admire Gilmore's decision to stay in Las Vegas and patiently wait for an opening.

What White didn't admire was Hunsinger's decision to prioritize his health over an opportunity. The UFC boss made sure everybody knew Hunsinger could have fought if he wanted to. White said:

"I always say, this is the toughest competition in combat sports. Only the strongest fighters will survive. If you have any doubts or aren't willing to do whatever it takes to stick it out and fight. Then we will find somebody who will."