Issue 080
October 2011
Over its 13 seasons to date, The Ultimate Fighter has delivered moments of high drama and low farce. As well a being a reality TV show, TUF has been a showcase for some of the biggest stars in the UFC
Forrest Griffin
Tuf Season
A season one original.
Remembered For
The Georgia native’s easygoing manner and sense of humor established him as a favorite with viewers.
TUF Finish
Defeated Stephan Bonnar on points to take the title in a brawl that changed the course of MMA history.
UFC High
After returning to coach on TUF 7, he out-toughed ‘Rampage’ Jackson over five rounds to take the UFC light heavyweight title in July 2008.
Future
On the comeback trail after losing the belt in his first defense then getting blown away by Anderson Silva. If he can avoid injury, a title shot is possible.
Rashad Evans
Tuf Season
Fought in the heavyweight section of season two.
Remembered For
Making an enemy of coach Matt Hughes for showboating in his fights.
TUF Finish
Defeated Brad ‘The Hillbilly Heartthrob’ Imes on a split decision to earn a contract.
UFC High
Ripped the 205lb belt from Forrest Griffin at UFC 92, knocking him down with a right hand then finishing with accurate shots on the ground.
Future
Waiting for that far-off day when he and former teammate Jon Jones can finally get over their injuries and meet in the Octagon.
Matt Serra
Tuf Season
The jiu-jitsu black belt was the star of season four ‘The Comeback.’
Remembered For
Handing out a one-sided verbal beatdown to guest grappling coach Marc Laimon who foolishly disrespected the name Royce Gracie.
TUF Finish
After clinching against the fence for three rounds with Chris Lytle, Serra was rewarded with a split-decision win and a crack at GSP for the welterweight crown.
UFC High
UFC 69: Shootout saw arguably the biggest shock of all time. Serra dropped Georges St Pierre in the first on his way to a TKO victory.
Future
For years, he has been urged to drop to lightweight but he refuses on the grounds that he loves his mama’s pasta too much.
Diego Sanchez
Tuf Season
Before the finale, he was the most talked-about member of the season one cast.
Remembered For
Poor asparagus manners, yoga and his intensity in all situations.
TUF Finish
Won the middleweight section with a comfortable first-round TKO win over Kenny Florian.
UFC High
After years of being a nearly man at 170, he dropped to lightweight and finally got a tilt at a title – only to suffer a sustained beating from BJ Penn at UFC 107.
Future
Back up at welterweight and the trademark ‘Nightmare’ roars and slams are back. Sanchez will always sell tickets and could re-establish himself as a contender.
Gray Maynard
Tuf Season
Coach BJ Penn singled him out as favorite to take the honors in season five.
Remembered For
Staying in the background in a season dominated by Gabe Ruediger’s love of cake.
TUF Finish
Fell to a Nate Diaz guillotine in the semi-final.
UFC High
After a series of uninspiring decision wins, his back-and-forth title fight with Frankie Edgar at UFC 125 was a classic, despite ending in a draw.
Future
‘The Bully’ almost finished the champ in the first round last time and is counting the days to the rematch.
Josh Koschek
Tuf Season
The arrogant, anti-hero of season one.
Remembered For
Sent the tightly wound Chris Leben to the verge of insanity by hosing him down while he was sleeping.
TUF Finish
Kos’ lost out to Diego Sanchez in the semi-final on a split decision.
UFC High
Got his long-awaited title shot at UFC 124. The king of the heels delighted the Montreal crowd by getting punched in the face by GSP for five rounds.
Future
As long as St Pierre is around, any talk of another championship fight is likely to be quiet.
Kenny Florian
Tuf Season
‘Ken-Flo’ featured in the 185lb division of season one.
Remembered For
The man now famed for his sharp elbows, or ‘hell-bows,’ told his housemates that he’d never thrown an elbow in a fight.
TUF Finish
Blown away in the middleweight final by Diego Sanchez.
UFC High
After two fights at welterweight, he campaigned successfully at 155, but came up short in title fights against Sean Sherk and BJ Penn.
Future
After winning his 145lb debut against Diego Nunes, he is being fast-tracked to a crack at José Aldo’s featherweight UFC belt.
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