American-based reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter is a TV show focusing on Mixed Martial Arts content produced by UFC and Pilgrim Media Group. The TV show includes many fighters displaying their skills and training together in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a desired six-figure contract with UFC. With the 31st season now in progress, there are now thirty successful seasons since the initial season on January 17, 2005.
With the successful seasons in the past, Forest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar’s fight was the one that captured millions of views from around the globe and sky-rocketed the show to the mainstream. The Ultimate Fighter has been critical for the survival and mainstreaming of Mixed Martial Arts. Many renowned fighters have later on gone to become coaches for subsequent seasons and train the upcoming fighters.
One question still arises for everyone. Do TUF fights count toward the fighters’ records? According to reports online, there is an exception for season finale matches. As sanctioned by the Nevada Athletic Commission as exhibition matches, these do not count for or against the fighters’ professional record. This is also required because the results should not be public before the air date.
How are TUF Fights different from actual UFC fights?
The Ultimate Fighter is a tournament-style segment that initially starts with the preliminary round. The Fighters go through rigorous training sessions until they compete and go to the finals. The winner in the season finale thus gets the chance for a UFC contract.
The UFC tends to establish unified rules of Mixed Martial Arts in the best way possible to adhere to the sport. TUF featured a rule for wildcards in the previous seasons. From bludgeoning each other in the initial matches of UFC, the organization has seen significant changes in rules regarding the fights. UFC has been very careful about the rules about illegal moves leading to disqualifications.
TUF bouts feature only 2 rounds per bout whereas UFC fights have 3-round fights as well as 5-round fights. Rules surrounding the matches remain the same for both TUF and UFC. Moves like Eye-pokes, 12-6 straight-up-and-down elbows, Groin strikes, knees to grounded opponents, and strikes to the back of the head are some of the illegal moves.
It’s incredible to imagine that in under 20 years, the UFC has progressed from “no rules” fighting to a sport on par with the NFL, MLB, and NBA. And, like all other sports, the UFC will undoubtedly continue to evolve, resulting in additional rule revisions in the future. The Ultimate Fighter is airing its 31st season right now with Team McGregor going against Team Chandler. Team Chandler is currently leading the competition with a 4-0 win streak.