Then there were three: only Rick, Steve and Boyd remain in the program, with fights lined up at the end of the year of punishing mental and physical conditioning. From the original pack of more than 250 contestants, it is down to a trio of 40-something men with incredible drive and commitment who prevailed over younger, stronger and faster competitors. Their fights looming, it is time to cut weight. Rick suffers so badly after the first day, and is putting his health in such danger, Peter considers cancelling his fight. But the other Cubes help Rick through. It is a breakthrough for the former lone wolf, who always shunned the team aspect of the program. Rick is humbled by the support of his teammates, and rallies physically. He drops 16 pounds, enough to make weight. Rick, Boyd and Steve will face opponents half their age. Steve goes first. His opponent is nearly 6 pounds overweight, a huge advantage. He takes the fight anyhow, and it does not end well: he is knocked out cold in the first round. Next up, Boyd and Rick will each have their day in the cage.
—Katie Wallace