Could somebody be "too qualified" for The Ultimate Fighter?
 

I was looking at the list of the fighters for the upcomming season of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights and I was wondering, considering its a "reality show" could some of the fighters be considered too qualified for the Ultimate Fighter? I'm not talking about Kimbo, but I was looking and Roy Nelson was IFL's heavyweight champion. Wes Sims has already had several fights in the UFC, and I heard a rumor that Antonio "Junior" Silva (was Elite XC heavyweight champ) was gonna be a contender but he had steroid problems. My question is dose it take away from the show by having compeditors that were champions before they got to the show?

If they haven't had their major success in the UFC, Pride, or WEC then Dana doesn't really seem to acknowledge it much.

i think it is a bit of a con. some of the guys need testing in undercard matches rather than being on TUF. i think it would be cooler to see fighters picked out of relative obscurity really, although i can understand maybe why some of the fighters would choose TUF, cause it'd raise their profile a hell of a lot.

I like it more when I know who the guys are, like with The Ultimate Figher 4: The Comeback I liked it because it was a chance to get to know some fighters I already knew better.

The problem I've had the past 2 seasons is that I barley remember anyone, and I watch all the episodes. I think of the past two season the only guys I remember are Junie Browning, Krystof, Bader, and Demarcus Johnson. Thats it. Most of these guys are so bland that I never remember them after the season ends.

- Antonio Silva was not considered for TUF.
- Unless they have big name value (i.e. fought well in PRIDE, UFC) they will not be considered to big as far as the casual fans are concerned
- Wes Sims may have fought in the UFC, but have you actually seen his fights...not very good...
-does not dose. This has been pointed out to you before

I think it's alright to have a few experienced heads on the show. Ultimately, everyone wants to be in UFC, and its no hidden fact that for the last few seasons, the weakest part of the TUF shows have often been the fights. It's good UFC can use guys for this with more background knowledge of the contestants.

That said, how guys like Roy Nelson are on TUF and Guys like Denis Stojnic get 4 fight contracts is the biggest inconsistancy of it I can work out.

I hear you with the last sentence, but look on the bright side, if Roy Nelson wins (and I'm betting he does) he'll be a much bigger name than Denis Stojnic to everyone, casual fans included.

It's not necessarily a bad thing. It means underrated guys get a chance to shine that they wouldn't get by conventional means. Plus you get coached by top level talent.

I'd rather get trained by Rich Franklin or Big Nog than some local crumbum.

It's a reality show based on a tournament style contest to win a contract/show your skills at the UFC level..

Alot of big names have come from TUF, most having MMA experience already.. Forrest Griffin is a perfect example of that..

dont they all have to have a pro mma record? that's fine, but i think if you've fought in pride or ufc before then you shouldn't be in it. and like this ifl guy or whatever it is, he should have an undercard match or something if they're serious. i think it'd be good for the ufc to have a rocky like unknown going through the show rather than the guys who more clued up people probably already know about.

will admit kimbo is a genius idea for the show though.

I really don't agree.. Seth Petruzelli had beaten both Dan Severn and Bob Sapp before his appearance on TUF 2.. Forrest Griffin had fought Severn, Jeremy Horn, Jeff Monson, etc before being on the show.. Jorge Rivera had fought in the UFC, fought both Anderson Silva and Rich Franklin before being on TUF.. Leban had like 15 pro fights under his belt win he went on the show..

Want me to continue??

It's not about finding "unknown" fighters.. It's about giving fighters the oppertunity to make a name for themselves and to win a compitition where the prize is an official UFC contract..

Also, from what I've read, Bisping was huge in the UK before coming on the show..

*Jorge Rivera was on the comebacks season which would explain his accomplishment prior to the show

Whatever.. The point is, the show is somewhat about finding "new" talent but it's really a tourny to get a UFC contract..

Joe Lauzon also beat Pulver before the season