"Contender or Pretender?" is a new ARTicle, where two of our wonderful admins will each pick a fighter from an episode of the Contender, and speak on their behalf.

Miguel - Pretender

All this time I thought it would be a brilliant strategy. When I saw that someone was coming back to replace little Jeff Fraza, I knew it would be a brilliant idea to take on the loser that came back. I mean he's already lost once, right? How hard could it be? I knew that was the easiest way to get into the top 8, and I even convinced everyone that I was being noble in taking such a tough competitor. I'm so Machiavellian bwahahaha! (Sergio taught me all about him the other night) So back to the fight, I was into the third round, and I got so excited that I just couldn't hide it. I was about to lose control and I think I liked it... until I really did lose control, and Manfredo took over. I still thought I had him beat. I won three out of the five rounds... and he was already a loser... I mean, that's gotta count for something, right? Apparently not to these judges. I just barely lost out to Manfredo. There goes my chance at making my parents' dreams come true.

Peter - Contender

Wow, it’s amazing to just have this opportunity to fight again. That last time I got my butt kicked, but I’m back with a vengeance this time. I’m on my game, and I showed that to everyone. Although I hate losing those stupid challenges, I was happy when we lost, because I knew that I was looking like a prime target to get my butt kicked. I couldn’t wait to destroy somebody from the West. So of course I was happy when Miguel picked me, I was feelin’ good. And when I beat him, I felt even better. Think about it - that win against Miguel was pure gold. You might have thought that I was down and out in the beginning, but look at that comeback. Just like how I’ve been on the show. I’m a true fighter. I keep it coming. I do it for me. I do it for my wife and kids. Sure, I only one by one point, but I worked hard in that last round to get those points that I needed. Nobody’s gonna be messing with me for a while.