http://mmamania.com/2009/06/16/ultimate-fighter-tuf-10-cast-revealed-for-spike-tv-ufc-show/ The debut of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 is not for another three months — September 16, 2009 to be exact — but the roster of fighters is starting to fill out. The list includes a former IFL champion, several NFL players, a few UFC veterans and one YouTube phenomenon for good measure. The Sun passed along the news, suggesting the cast will comprise just 16 heavyweights, all of whom will get a spot of the show. This is down from 32 fighters who have had to fight their way into the house in an opening elimination round, as seen in recent seasons. Kimbo Slice (3-1): The YouTube phenomenon and former Elite XC headliner Roy Nelson (13-4): Former IFL champion Wes Sims (22-12-1): Former UFC fighter Marcus Jones (4-1): Former NFL player Matt Mitrione (0-0): Former NFL player Wes Shivers (N/A): NFL veteran Jim York (10-2): MMA fighter Justin Wren (6-1): NFL player/MMA fighter Mike Wessel (6-1): Former UFC fighter Scott Junk (6-2-1): Former UFC fighter Zak Jensen (7-3): MMA fighter Darrill Schoonover (10-0): MMA fighter Brendan Schaub (4-0): MMA fighter Jon Madsen (1-0): MMA fighter Tom Blackledge (8-6): MMA fighter Abe Wagner (6-2): MMA fighter Commissioned to coach this eclectic band of misfits will be two former light heavyweight champions in Quinton “Rampage†Jackson and “Sugar†Rashad Evans. The pair will have their hands full as this season will comprise heavyweight contenders exclusively. In fact, TUF 10 will be the first TUF season to feature heavyweights since the second season in late 2005. That season — which culminated in a heavyweight showdown between Rashad Evans and 6’7†Brad Imes — was noted more for its light heavyweights fighting up in weight than it was for its true heavyweight contenders, including Evans, Keith Jardine, Mike Whitehead and Seth Petruzelli. The date for “The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale†has already been slated for December 5, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following the finale, coaches Jackson and Evans are expected to duke it out for the number one contender position in the light heavyweight division. TFK
I have only caught bits and pieces of the show in the past so forgive my ignorance but isn't the point to give only modestly experienced (or even none at all) prospects the chance at fighting in the UFC? Why are three guys listed as being former UFC fighters (with winning records no less) allowed to compete in this?
it has happened before, its rare, but it has happened. Joe Lauzon defeated former LW champion Jens Pulver in the UFC octagon and then was on the TUF show that Jens was a coach on. With the HW's, it is truly a matter of the talent pool being alot more shallow.
Having guys like Kimbo on the show will definitely be entertaining but does anyone else think that the show should be aimed at up and coming fighters ??
I agree. The problem they are facing is they want to legitimize the show .That the winners of each season are guys like Rashad and Forrest who can become champions. The last couple of shows have no one of that caliber.
IMO the sport has moved on from guys winning that show and then winning a UFC title. If I were those guys I would change the format completely. Have the show based around up and comers and ease the winner into the UFC
I don't know several of the guys on the list, but Roy Nelson is a fatso with limited athletic ability...and he should be the clear favorite unless that 10-0 guy is good. Nelson can fight.
Without a doubt. Nelson is the clear favorite. If Kimbo wins, it will be deserved because he will most likely have to get by Big Country and that is a great litmus test.opcorn:
Yes. I think that's too ambitious. You shouldn't be counting on the guy who wins a reality series to be a champion right away let alone a star.
I agree 100%. There are some real nice fighters that have come out of the TUF series. Kenny Florian has turned into one of the best 155ers in the world. But you can't expect that. But we live in a NOW society. They don't want to wait to see a fighter develop. Guys like Koschek has developed other aspects of his game and turned into a world class fighter. When he got out of the TUF show, he was a very athletic wrestler and that was about it. I have really enjoyed watching him develop and progress. With all that said, I don't really like the way the show is headed.
Koscheck also fell in love with his punching power after a few KOs and got KTFO because of it. So he's come full circle.
I would think that Sims would be the favorite. Alot of experience against world class opposiition. Big Country does have some skills......but Brad Imes is probably his biggest win,...and his conditioning is poor. I could see Kimbo taking out Nelson on their feet. Probably a "who lands first" kind of fight.
