THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER
In its debut on January 17, 2005 nearly 2 million viewers tuned in; it was a major hit in television´s coveted demographic of men 18 to 34. Each week the ratings grew. For the first time starved fans no longer had to wait months and pay fees to watch MMA. The country saw the UFC for what is was–a bunch of elite martial artists who could punch, grapple and force submission with skill. By the end of the first season, “The Ultimate Fighter” had become a full–blown phenomenon.
Once the show was in the can, Dana knew that he had a great series. The fledgling network SPIKE TV had just decided against renewing the WWE. “The Ultimate Fighter” was a perfect match for their schedule. With the show already produced, the network had little to lose. In its debut on January 17, 2005 nearly 2 million viewers tuned in; it was a major hit in television´s coveted demographic of men 18 to 34. Each week the ratings grew. For the first time starved fans no longer had to wait months and pay fees to watch MMA. The country saw the UFC for what is was–a bunch of elite martial artists who could punch, grapple and force submission with skill. By the end of the first season, “The Ultimate Fighter” had become a full–blown phenomenon.
The show made Chuck a household name, produced some of the finest fighters in the UFC (Stephan Bonner, Josh Koshcheck, Kenny Florian and Mike Swick to name a few) and gave the sport a much larger fan base. It has since had 8 incarnations and is one of SPIKE TV´s staple shows. The rubber match between Chuck and Randy Couture became the highest rate event in UFC history.
In an odd twist, Chuck Liddell must now face off with his “Ultimate Fighter” protégé, Forrest Griffin, to regain his title.
