Have we seen the last of “The Ultimate Fighter?” That remains to be known, but if you’re looking for something to watch during the coronavirus outbreak, there are a few seasons worth your time.
The show has produced some of the best talent in the UFC, including the likes of Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Michael Bisping, T.J. Dillashaw and Robert Whittaker – all of whom went on to become champions.
There have been 28 regular seasons of the show, not counting international versions. But in terms of talent, caliber of fights, personalities and coach rivalries, there are a few that stand out.
Here are five of the best “Ultimate Fighter” seasons every fight fan should check out.
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TUF 1: Team Liddell vs. Team Couture
It’s hard not to include the first season for many reasons. Although the format was a little odd with some fighters not even getting to compete, we got the perfect mix of unique characters, future champions and a finale to remember.
Season 1 premiered in 2005 and featured middleweights and light heavyweights who were coached by Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture. The cast included the likes of Diego Sanchez, Kenny Florian, Chris Leben, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar.
It was when the world was introduced to a unique character in Sanchez, who entertained viewers with drunken escapades, yoga in the rain – and who can ever forget when he wrapped himself in cling wrap?
Emotional troublemaker Leben was another interesting character who got into rifts with instigators Josh Koscheck and Bobby Southworth.
But the show was capped off with one of the greatest fights in UFC history: the light heavyweight final between Griffin and Bonnar, a fight that is widely credited for the UFC’s success today.
Griffin beat Bonnar, but both fighters were awarded contracts that night, an unforgettable moment in the company’s history. Griffin also went on to become light heavyweight champion when he beat Quinton Jackson at UFC 86.
TUF 7: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest
Amir Sadollah had one of the greatest runs in “Ultimate Fighter” history, making this season a must watch.
The unassuming and inexperienced Sadollah entered the house with zero pro fights under his belt, and managed to take out everyone on his way to the crown.
The season included numerous notable names like Tim Credeur, fan-favorite Matt Brown, C.B. Dolloway and Jesse Taylor, and was coached by then-light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson,and Season 1 winner Forrest Griffin.
But Sadollah’s incredible run alone is worth your time. The season featured the usual house shenanigans and pranks, as well as some great fights to go along with it. The coaches didn’t disappoint either, with their fair share of angry moments. You also get to see “Rampage” play basketball, which you probably don’t want to miss.
TUF 10: Heavyweights
This season might as well be called “The Ultimate Coach.”
Season 10 featured heavyweights and was coached by Quinton Jackson and Rashad Evans in one of the biggest rivalries in the show’s history. The heated arguments, pranks and near scuffles between them is enough for you to watch this season.
But everyone likes to watch the heavyweights throw down, and one fighter in particular boosted the ratings majorly. Late, great street-fighting legend Kimbo Slice had the whole fight community watching.
The cast also featured the likes of Roy Nelson, Brendan Schaub and Matt Mitrione, heavyweights who went on to have successful careers post-show.
TUF 14: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller
This season featured bantamweights and featherweights, divisions in which the UFC wanted to stack up its rosters.
It’s one of the best seasons in terms of talent. Finalist T.J. Dillashaw went on to become a two-time UFC 135-pound champion.
The season that was coached by Michael Bisping and Jason Miller also featured season winners John Dodson and Diego Brandao, Dennis Bermudez and Bryan Caraway.
The fighters produced plenty of exciting finishes, putting on a good showing for the lower-weight classes. From pranks, to coaches’ banter, this season has the perfect mix of high-level talent and entertainment.
TUF 17: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen
Everyone loves an underdog story.
Just like Amir Sadollah in Season 7, Kelvin Gastelum’s run may be equally impressive. The second to last pick overall, young Gastelum was underrated by everyone.
He didn’t boast the typical fighter physique, and spent the beginning of the season giddy at the opportunity to meet Ronda Rousey. But make no mistake about it, Gastelum meant business and his run proved why he’s one of the best fighters to ever come out of the show.
Gastelum was coached by Chael Sonnen, who may be the “Bad Guy,” but somehow got along with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones throughout the season.
While it’s nice to see some heated rivalries between coaches, both Sonnen and Jones were very committed to coaching the fighters, including Uriah Hall, the late Josh Samman and Zak Cummings.
On the opposite end of the final bracket was Hall, whom everyone expected to make it for a reason. He was the owner of not only the greatest knockout in “Ultimate Fighter,” history but perhaps one of the best in the company’s history period. Hall delivered a spinning back kick knockout over Adam Cella in the preliminary round that left everyone stunned in silence.
He followed it up with two equally devastating performances, making it to the final against Team Sonnen teammate Gastelum. Although he lost to Gastelum in the final, the two became good friends and training partners.
