Has This Season Of The Ultimate Fighter Failed?

With decreasing viewership, was Conor McGregor not enough to save this season of TUF?
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[@KojiKillerYT]

The prospects vs vets concept was terrible and I feel like that really ruined the season on top of Conor just not caring

[@maxanderson3733]

Agreed. I completely destroyed any and all competitive balance the show had. It’s freaking sad that the “Celebrity Fighting” idea the presented in the video sounds more interesting and fair by comparison

[@misocriallo4379]

🎯🎯

[@yaboib3074]

You'll do what you're told.

[@codyconnell6510]

It’s not that it’s that all the real prospects went to contender series. That 6’3” lightweight on the first episode would have been interesting on tuf.

[@bravocarlos1752]

Yeah man I haven't been into The ultimate fighter show for a while now but this one really sucked it was boring I watched the first 3 episodes all the way threw then I said I can't do this no more I skipped to the fight right away for every episode after ..Conor didn't care I don't think I'm alone in saying idc about Connor,Ive been over him , I dont care to see him lose and I definitely don't care to see him win , I wish he would just retire n go off the grid😂😂 and the show was put together horribly

[@Matt-lp1xp]

The fact that Dana blatantly lied about Conor fighting makes it a failure. More fighters were signed after the first episode of DWCS than after the entire season of TUF

[@cacanaynay]

Their going to fight

[@tylerakerfeldt7220]

@@cacanaynayhas Conor passed a USADA test yet?

[@cacanaynay]

@@tylerakerfeldt7220 obviously he's waiting until the peds are out his system and he will test and Chandler will wait like a good boy because he wants the Conor money.

[@jdaily2293]

@@cacanaynayUnfortunately for Chandler, Conor is gonna fuck him over and fight either Nate for the trilogy or Gaethje for the BMF belt.

[@cacanaynay]

@@jdaily2293 Dana White confirmed he's fighting Chandler literally yesterday or two days ago and said Conor just says shit to get under his opponents skin. He's just trolling Chandler

[@rayburnsonier3458]

The fact that they made two of the most entertaining people on the planet boring on TUF says something. Also, I hate that it probably won't lead to fight between the two. I feel like Khabib would've been a great TUF coach right now

[@maxanderson3733]

Lmfao if Khabib was here Conner would’ve given it a 120% instead of BSing his way through the whole thing

[@Lukerogers0121]

@@maxanderson3733How are you misspelling Conor’s name in 2023?

[@ccdsds3221]

@@Lukerogers0121because he is irrelevant in 2023?

[@casualaviation5447]

Why is Khabib even being mentioned, he's retired and has stated multiple times that he's staying retired. Granted would love to see him back but until (if) HE says so there's no point mentioning his name

[@skankhunt434]

​@@Lukerogers0121because no one cares about mcbitch

[@sunlight9056]

I'd appreciate a show where they basically tour you through how to build a mma fighter. Maybe leave DWCS for pros and TUF was taking amatuers and young people from scratch and we can see who can hack the life and what it takes; show detailed training in different disciplines, the nutritional planning, the different exercises etc and how it's tailored to each fighter. We could be introduced to different teams instead of one coach. No big brother BS, just focus on the life of a mma fighter in and out of the cage, which team can build the best fighters etc.

[@luischavez4937]

I feel this is what made the first TUFs successful - it showed the fighters in the house and in the gym preparing. The recent TUFs have been showing home videos instead of showing us how they train and prepare. Every time they play a home video on TUF I immediately skip through all of it.

[@mvegetaxachilles7211]

This is a great idea. Way too smart of a concept for the UFC to implement

[@IphigeniaAtAulis]

​@@mvegetaxachilles7211Agree completely. It would also be interesting if they took high level amatures/pros who do specific combat sports (like boxing, bjj, wrestling, karate) and put them into an MMA environment. See, so many people train MMA specifically today, there really isn't as much differentiation between the competitors anymore. If they turned TUF into something like that, it would bring back that original style vs style feel of the first UFCs.

[@glackinator_0459]

I think they should’ve made it so each coach got a set of vets and prospects. Having one team be entirely vets, with so much more experience and refined skill, just made it very rough to watch. It also doesn’t help that we see very little of Conor and Chandler, both from a coaching and clashing standpoint. The best clips are of Conor being Conor, yelling, running around, pushing Chandler, and giving a dude a ride in his Lambo, and also of Chandler being a really good coach, motivating his team, and being more than just the guy who gives orders. I wish we got to see more of them with their teams, and each other

[@breadpirateoverhere]

Idk if people are clamoring to see a bunch of dudes get drunk and talk shit. But you have to show these dudes being people, having conversations with each other, and learning from the coaches. Everything is so fast, it's crammed with backstory monologue clip shows that were done before the show. They're telling you who these dudes are instead of letting them show you who they are. So you end up with nameless, faceless dudes who all have some sad backstory that you can't remember getting knocked out in one round.

[@abemartinez9623]

Yeah the back story stuff is so cringey an cookie cutter. Big babies can’t handle being away from their family for a few weeks

[@kadeemjones30]

I agree past seasons of TUF used to show the fighters having fun in the house playing pranks with each other and showing personality they made the most out of the situation now they just show that little home video training sessions then the fight

[@enigmachine]

It's not just this season. It's The Ultimate Fighter as a whole. It was great, but is now a relic. Contender Series is what it should be. Almost all of the "woe is me" stories, angst and drama removed and it jumps as fast as possible to the action. The sooner TUF goes away, and more is put behind Contender Series, the better! 😎👊

[@kadeemjones30]

Sometimes when TV shows stay around for a long time it starts to lose its quality

[@gimpyrules6714]

I mean it makes sense still a little, get to know the fighters a little bit sp you're maybe more invested or hate them more But with alot more of the casual mainstream fans it doesn't work as well anymore The casuals don't care about prelims or "nobodies"

[@rapnewsworldwide]

Dana knows how to revive this series with one phone call… Just a shame he don’t have Chael Sonnens number anymore 💪

[@mattbenson6698]

Can’t let him get close

[@kugashira1018]

Why? So he can talk to upcoming fighters about achieving their dreams before going out and taking performance enhancing drugs for his fight against the opposing coach?

[@d.j.ashley]

@@kugashira1018Well, that wasn't nice.

[@jejbsh2191]

​@@kugashira1018lies and slander

[@yaboib3074]

​@@kugashira1018undefeated and undisputed

[@-tzadakim-7805]

The big issue is this. Why would an up and comer want to go on TUF now days? They have to be away from their friends and family and fight multiple opponents, living with them, just for a chance to get a contract. It is smarter for an up and comer to get a position on Dana white’s contender series where you only need to get one win (if done in a fashion that impresses Dana) and won’t have to deal with all the added stresses given on TUF.

[@Bbknuckles]

Other than the week 11 fight the entire show has been boring af. Doing rookies Vs vets (inadvertently or not) was a terrible idea. The guys themselves are also boring, no real personalities that standout. I’m watching as a “hardcore” MMA fan but I would recommend it to a causal fan. Most so-called hardcore fans should skip it too.. it’s perfect for bedtime background noise though lol.

[@concensivee]

The thing is. They're not doing rookies vs. vets. They're doing "prospects" vs vets. None of these guys are prospects, they are as you say rookies. And rookies don't stand a chance against people with the experience of multiple fights in the UFC against some of the best. Just mismatches across the board.

[@Bbknuckles]

@@concensivee yup that’s exactly what I was talking about. It made the show terrible. They need to let TUF die now. There’s nothing to be down about, it had a great fun full of wild characters and even future champions. Kinda like Tuesday night contender is currently. Definitely go watch that if you haven’t already.

[@Scheboygan8767]

Idk if this has happened to anybody else but I’ve had the results from the fights spoiled on shorts that pop up from espn and ufc the next morning after the episodes aired. Not everybody is staying up till 11 to watch it, they have work in the morning. I then don’t really feel like watching the whole episode

[@KennySherwood10]

Worst part is Griffin has to still work and officiate in slap league to pay his bills even though he helped launch UFC into mainstream lol

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

Griffin was vice president of athlete development in the UFC. He either pissed Dana off or is doing it because he wants to rather than needs to.

[@c_rem6101]

MMA on point is so consistent with the video quality just banger after banger almost DAILY. Seriously kudos to you guys, best shit on KZbin

[@Poet801]

DWCS has made TUF irrelevant. Also you made an excellent point at 10:00, OG TUF the stakes were high for everyone including the bosses. Had TUF failed DW would be dealing blackjack rn, so everyone was invested in the show, and the fights.

[@knightmech6117]

I liked dwcs more because it got straight to the point

[@TheVillest]

it really has, hasnt it? these TUF seasons are nothing like they were when it first started. it's pretty garbage now smh

[@hard2hurt]

In before you change the title to "Why This Season of The Ultimate Fighter Failed"

[@CoolToMe_]

We're tryna ask questions with these convos. Definitely had egg on our face from calling things too soon before 🤣 Respect Mike, big fan - Luke

[@Bnev93]

Main problem is vets vs prospects. If they wanted to do that then each team gets one weight class of each or switch off choosing individually rotating vet and prospect. Having an entire team be one or the other was always doomed to fail, no matter the coaches. I will say I do think McGregor does coach while in training but it’s super weird he doesn’t during the fight.

[@Jamesfrancosdog]

The real question here is why is Powerslap still a thing?

[@stanclark8824]

now there is pillow fighting.

[@theinvaderblankman4226]

All that shit is stupid they even got this 1v2 3v3 shit lol

[@Pasicho]

Its easy to post on social media and go on viral.

[@bonkgaming4796]

They use it as a Trojan horse to go viral on social media and bring attention to the ufc and it’s other brands

[@gimpyrules6714]

They made a mobile game for it now as well lol

[@MrSquaky]

It's amazing how McGregor is still propped up after losing so much

[@shakh1407]

Not really, he still brings in ppv

[@609phillies]

He’s made the company the most money, it’s amazing how people still don’t comprehend this

[@njongomato]

UFC needs to move on from Conor

[@ohlord3650]

@@609philliesThis.

[@jessebunuel2073]

@@shakh1407 He brings in ppv *in theory*. He hasn't been in a ppv for two years and counting.

[@swifty123]

I was so hyped. I thought the old Mac would return but the truth is he really is gone. The fight probably isn’t happening either. Shame, it could’ve been a banger and Chandler was a perfect candidate to bring the old shenanigans back.

[@440-fishermandrock8]

Conor mccoverrated not a single title defense

[@Pasicho]

After Conor was clearly not going to fight it really sealed the deal for a show that already had little hype going into the new season.

[@-HughJass-]

​@@PasichoYeah this.... since it's looking like he may never fight again, i really don't care to watch TUF. I watched the first 2 episodes and i was struggling to stay awake.

[@rm87540]

@@440-fishermandrock8you’re so unfunny

[@hakr1298]

Only exciting thing about chandler is his fighting style, he's so boring on the mic and repeats just the same things over and over again

[@pandamanda1]

What if TUF was morphed into some type of tournament with ufc fighters in a particular division? The prize being a title shot or a tounement championship for the mantle

[@mickeyburnsmusic]

They should do an all veteran/OG season with Dan Hardy and GSP as coaches. All contestants are retired 40+ UFC vets

[@yaboib3074]

So basically be.... bellator?

[@destano2951]

@@yaboib3074more like pfl nowadays

[@thewen]

DW hates both

[@Peppersfirst]

​@@thewenDark Wing Duck?

[@mickeyburnsmusic]

@@thewen exactly

[@synerhi]

Agreed. I found it hard to create an emotional connection with most fighters too as it didn’t really show too much of their personality (besides the zoom calls and very short interviews).

[@JGAbstract]

Conor putting the Chandler fight up in the air AND missing the USADA window was the final nail in the coffin. I was looking at the results n clips when it started. But as soon as mcgregor was iffy on fighting Chandler, I stopped

[@Fightconnoisseur96]

He's fighting him in December. Also Conor is like Mayweather, he is above USADA or any other organization, their rules don't apply. It's hilarious that you people still think they do.

[@wildlifefishingshow]

The answer to this question, at any given moment for any given season in the last ten years, is yeah, probably it did.

[@DiegoTorres-nc9sp]

I agree with the statement of "how a prospect is 37 years old?". Some of the prospects are older and have more fights than the vets.

[@Hughjazs]

DWCS is the new TUF, if not better.

[@jay_1212]

It’s way better. Nobody really cares about the Tuf format no more. It’s not like the old school rowdy thing stuff we used to see so most people just will not care

[@paddyprochazka]

both are trash, DWCS is just dana whites cheap labor series

[@samkosbab]

Very well articulated guys. This is what I have been thinking all season. I'm curious to see if the next season will bring back elements of seasons like TUF Heavyweights.

[@MrCesar3031]

Rashad, rampage, and a viral back yard street fighting savage. The good ol days

[@eduardodavila5980]

The last fight that aired between Kurt and Jason was BRUTAL

[@outergod3961]

My first season of TUF was the GYM vs GYM season ATT vs Blackzillians. Good times. I think Vicente Luque & Usman came out of that season as well.

[@carphucker2973]

Yeh they did Usman won the finale. Good season

[@pbens10]

Great vid. Think this every week

[@jonnysmith5998]

Prospects vs Vets could be great. There’s just too many avenues to make money as a MMA Fighter to not have to go through the hardest route (TUF) to get there. So all the great talent don’t even consider it, they’ll be on DWCS or get signed off their own back.

[@BTRshow]

The season would have been better if Conor's team didn't bomb so bad but still did better than most seasons. TUF is losing its charm tho, but I think that's because the series been going on for a crazy long time.

[@keeganleecalmes]

This is one of your best videos, good analysis on why the popularity of the show has dwindled.

[@natej294]

I remember in a tuf season they did a trivia coaches challenge and they were actually good questions. You had to have watched previous fights to know what they were talking about 👍

[@dylanflynn5846]

Most of the prospects were older than connor 😂

[@noahdebruijn6374]

Great vid again lads

[@ManualPixarPresents]

If I had to hear “Let that back hand go, LET THAT BACKHAND GO!” one more fucking time…

[@cmac6136]

Hasn't been good since they had to fight to get into the house. Used to start with episodes full of fights and now its horrible..You are lucky to get 3 good fights all season.

[@mklip2001]

I like Tom's idea to have a more conventional reality show to take on people who've never had a professional fight before. It could be like a Wimp 2 Warrior program if you want a more uplifting take on it, or you could have a more cutthroat environment. I figure that if Food Network can make a show about improving the worst cooks catch on, we can have a catchy show about improving the worst fighters.

[@mondo3802]

That’s a terrible idea there is no way they’d have enough time and you’d witness a murder in the cage

[@johnboydojo]

I think the idea of a TUF Season with people that have never fought or trained before is actually pretty genius.

[@joepattersonmma]

8:30 “You’re just a penis” Luke hits the nail on the head there

[@A1Arachnids]

The outcome isn’t exactly what was expected so far but it’s still a good show that’s give the viewers a inside on fighters lives and story to how they got there. Which is cool to see and shows that grit you need in order to be a professional MMA fighter. Mcgregor vs chandler already blew up so we’re not getting that finale. But the team dynamics definitely messed this season up the prospects just want to learn and become a ufc fighter the vets just want their contracts renewed for another 3 fights. Too much business not enough play.

[@ghostme1635]

I don't know but that Brad Katona and Timur fight was crazy good

[@Coco-hs9ex]

Was listening to this thinking about a season of people who have never trained and just as I’m thinking it you guys suggested to the same thing!🤣

[@cmattingly5033]

Tough is an extended version of the contender series. It's like they added a bunch of stuff from FITE week in the contender series and it's the same thing. Lol

[@Fearthesmoke]

Best intro music Ive heard on this channel❤❤

[@lolAwes0me]

Die Daily - Evan and Eris

[@desean3402]

Yea it was terrible. I didn’t think it was possible but Conor clearly didn’t give af at all. The good thing is the show can definitely be fixed.

[@UnusedGamertag]

Hi there I have never watched this show and was wondering what season would recommend watching. Appreciate you

[@MMAOnPoint]

Theres a few seasons which will be good to get into. I know everyone will have their favourites and can be quite subjective. Def watch Season 1 then try Season 5, Season 10 and maybe Season 22 with Conor and Faber as coaches. Again subjective but S1 is a great place to start.

[@cameronwo2766]

This season of TUF is just a chance for Conor to advertise all of his products….his beer, whiskey, clothing range etc…

[@richcantgame]

I like these videos, I welcome the variety on the channel. Don’t listen to the people who don’t like the podcast format, worst case they don’t watch lol

[@orly3000]

I watched the entire thing, but the problem is that it's super repetitive. How many times can the fighters say, "I'm gonna win this for my career and my family"? It's like 40min of that and then 5 min of fight.

[@michaelhood2109]

I mean, considering the most recent episode had literally one of the best fights ever in the shows history, it's hard to call the season a failure

[@ardnfast]

The question is, has this season of TUF failed. One great fight doesn't make a series or even a show. No eyeballs, it's failed.

[@michaelhood2109]

@@ardnfast aaaaaand here we go....

[@Dclin9]

@@michaelhood2109 i mean he's right but i do agree the Knight v Kurt fight was a bangerrr

[@nicolemerrill9167]

Nothing wrong with having a little fun that's what helped the seasons and relating with the fighters

[@ssjcesar9589]

Maybe tuf should be for people with 0 pro fights transitioning from one mix martial art to MMA. For example, college wrestlers, boxers, kickboxers, etc. Give it a ufc 1 feel

[@malchelo-7627]

Would like to see a more in depth Embedded series but focusing on both fighters in a title fight.

[@Gorgonzola0987]

If I hear Forrest Griffen called a “sacrificial lamb” when referring to his shogun fight again, I am going to sacrifice a lamb

[@valerionts6893]

Short answer: Duh

[@danielgreenspon1176]

Alex, where did you get your pants???? I need a pair

[@AndrewJW]

This was the msot talked about season I can remember since Kimbo's season. So thats gotta count for something.

[@rogantaylor1885]

It's a pain for me to try watch here in NZ. Also I wish there was more Chandler screen time.

[@abrom004]

The Evan & Eris sample 🤌🏾

[@1abrebel]

Weird part is the ice bath challenge was still the most entertaining part of the season so far

[@TreySarver]

Agreed, the champions season was really cool.

[@rednecktruthspouter3485]

Being on espn+ I stream it the next day idk how they don't count and post those numbers as well as live viewers

[@throwrocks9277]

I love Houston Alexander's debut KO of Keith Jardine.

[@Jsmo0529]

If Chandler and McGregor were actually fighting, I may watch.

[@trystinlindsay5674]

For what it’s worth, I’m one step above a casual and I didn’t even know this season had started yet

[@roberttada1240]

They need to do it more like “Hard Knocks”. Trying to get on the roster

[@usedfuzzbox]

Yes....

[@andrewcruz1931]

I would totally apply for TUF if it was for people that have never fought or trained before lol.

[@vaskater07]

is this from a full podcast?

[@stompy6667]

It seems like all the good prospects come through the contender series

[@spliffsforbreakfast]

I would love to see Bradley Marten get submitted in Celebrity Tuff 😂👌🏾

[@Link3131a]

I feel like i've seen this title a few times over the last few weeks now

[@nathanfreve8656]

I’m currently watching TUF 4 right now, and I think they concept they had in that show would be great for TUF going forward. Take already made guys in the UFC and have them compete for a title shot or something along those lines. Let DWCS be where they hand out the contracts and let TUF have something completely different at stake.

[@DannyAmerican]

And have Matt Serra on, every season.

[@beebob51]

This season looks like they filmed it in " The Biggest Loser" format. This season is equal to a Fight Night pre-pre-prelim broadcast.

[@liverpool379]

I think it never helped having chandler spoil the episodes on insta

[@Mike-qz4by]

Havent watched tuf since season 3

[@justinnsmma11]

Unfortunately I think so but hope not. Our town has a fighter fighting in the finals Austin Hubbard. Let’s go!!!

[@carpejkdiem]

I WATCHED IT for the training footage tbh

[@shane3696]

celebrity TUF would be a hit

[@jbj7599]

They need to make the Contender series like Strikeforce Challengers.

[@YTSaintKevin]

Waiting for Highlights 😎

[@pongomb]

Did anyone really believe Conor was gonna fight when there was news before the show that he wasn't in the USADA pool?

[@raptor454369]

Another issue Il with TUF nowadays is that EVERYONE gets a UFC contract. They hand out 3 contracts a week on the Contender Series. Back then there was only ONE contract which raised the states immensely. Yeah everyone ended up making it but only winning TUF guaranteed a contract.

[@dano1307]

2:48 you sounded like Conor 😂 ""DO SOMETHIN'! DO SOMETHIN ABOUT IT'

[@drew_mma]

TUF is 100% missing that reality show feel.. a couple seasons ago it was a show that I could watch with my girlfriend because there was lots of drama and antics to keep her attention. She loves reality tv and watched one episode this season and was over it

[@marcocambray7725]

Finally something on point

[@lucasmcclain3088]

Aye what’s the song at the beginning ???

[@NitrogenEyes]

The show it’s self is ok but watching Chandlers after show and seeing him going into details makes it more entertaining for me

[@dano1307]

TUF is like the left overs from Contender Series. They need to kill off TUF at this point. It's so bad. If Conor couldn't save it no one can. Unless they drastically change the formula. The coaches challenge was abysmal.

[@TheBlindingwhite]

Didn't even know the show still was on.

[@cracklecracklebaybay5612]

I didn't see a single episode of this seasons TUF. And I'm a fan of, or at least interested in, both fighters coaching. Didn't even know when it had started honestly.

[@b0zz1380y]

If we had all the champions from all the organisations fight each other in a knockout series then the winner is the only legitimate person who could hold the BMF belt

[@marciogomes6761]

Its like the 32 season imagine having 32 seasons of a series of the same thing

[@doomgoy9462]

Embedded is how TUF should be

[@canadianbacon9819]

So I definitely agree this season had its flaws I also think you guys are being too critical of The Ultimate Fighter. It's not supposed to be for people that are at contender series level. I would consider the contender series for those who are a bit too advanced to be entered into TUF, sure back in the day we used to throw all of the same guys in and whatever happened happened regardless of skill level. Now I think it should actually be used to cultivate prospects and there is still some entertainment value in it, though guys aren't getting hammered and they're taking the sport much more seriously I still think that it creates an intense competitive environment, something that you just don't get from the contender series. There is also the coach rivalries and even if they are respectful to each other the idea of a coaches fight is still really enticing to a lot of MMA fans

[@LowkAlexander]

I wonder if the Hollywood strikes affected the producers if this season. For a show like TUF they need someone behind the scenes to curate the storylines but it’s not there this year

[@robertjohnson9227]

Umm that fight between Jason and Kurt was incredible! The whole season was worth it to see that. To be honest I just skip through until the fight anyway.

[@BrotherDark]

Yo man it seems that they took the TV out of the reality TV it's certain kinda magic