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, [autotag]Forrest Griffin[/autotag] and [autotag]Stephan Bonnar[/autotag].
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.