The Ultimate Fighter, the reality show that brought fighters together in a home, has a new home on ESPN+.
The reality series launched the mixed martial arts explosion around the world in 2005. Over the course of 12 weeks, 16 up-and-coming mixed martial artists fought to stay in the house while receiving world-class coaching from the UFC’s elite fighters. The winner was declared the Ultimate Fighter and earned a six-figure UFC contract.
The iconic reality series has launched the careers of numerous fighters who went on to become UFC champions, contenders and stars, including: Kamaru Usman, Tony Ferguson, TJ Dillashaw, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Nate Diaz, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Uriah Hall and Conor McGregor, who was a coach in TUF 22.
All 28 seasons will be available on ESPN. Seasons that are currently available are outlined below. New seasons will be released here every Tuesday. Season 29 is scheduled to be released later in 2021 and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Season 1: Team Liddell vs. Team Couture (Watch here)
Storyline: The UFC enters the reality television show realm with The Ultimate Fighter, which features up-and-coming fighters looking to gain a six-figure contract with the UFC.
Coaches: Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture
Key fighters: Forrest Griffin, Diego Sanchez, Stephan Bonnar, Kenny Florian, Chris Leben, Josh Koscheck
Memorable anecdote: UFC president Dana White and musician Willa Ford serve as co-hosts of the show. This is Ford’s only season as host. White gives his “So you want to be a fighter?” speech.
Must-see fight of the season: Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar, TUF 1 finale
More on Season 1: How the Ultimate Fighter saved the UFC 15 years ago
Season 22: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber (Watch here)
Storyline: Season 22 has an international feel with Conor McGregor’s team coaching international fighters while Urijah Faber and Team Alpha Male coach the American fighters.
Coaches: Conor McGregor, Urijah Faber
Key fighters: David Teymur, Mehdi Baghdad, Artem Lobov, Ryan Hall, Billy Quarantillo, Chris Gruetzemacher
Memorable anecdote: In Episode 6, McGregor sounds prescient, telling Faber that guest coach TJ Dillashaw is a “snake” and only in things for himself, which starts a skirmish between the teams after Cody Garbrandt shoves McGregor. Soon after the show was done taping, Dillashaw and Team Alpha Male would have a very public breakup, leading to a rivalry that continues to this day.
Must-see fight of the season: Artem Lobov vs. James Jenkins, TUF 22 elimination round
More on Season 22: Behind the scenes with Frankie Edgar ahead of the TUF 22 finale