The Ultimate Fighter show just isn't working - Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1

sweet_deals · 10-18-2006, 09:53 AM

I think it's time to do a little audit on "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show. I believe thay have signed a contract with SpikeTV to take the show to a seventh season (maybe someone can verify that for me), but the truth of the matter is, 75% of the show is getting boring. I think when it comes down to it, the majority of MMA fans want two things. To know each fighter before the fight, and to see a good fight. So when they house all the fighters in the same dorm-style house and make some obviously staged antics between the fighters (sometimes, I'll admit, they're funny, but that's not what I'm tuning in for), I feel the show loses some credibility.

Let's face it, TUF is in a unique position here. They have the potential to be the only true reality show on television, but instead (and I'm going to get bombarded for saying this), they've borrowed a page from the book of America's Next Top Model. People tune into the aformentioned show because they enjoy the side effects of putting a bunch of young woman on ego trips in a house and watch the hilarity ensue. People tune into TUF to learn about each fighter, form their own opinion about who is a better fighter, and watch them prove or disprove their opinion.

I was going to leave the ratings out of this post because they have nothing to do with my opinion, but when you have professional fighters on the show like Rich, Matt, GSP and Chuck, and the ratings continue to plummet, something's amiss.

And then there's the whole timing issue. One thing I love about MMA is the uncertainty of what's going to heppen next. Pure domenience of a round can be countered in a millisecond with a smart submission or a surprising knock out. When a fight begins at the half way mark of the show, you know that it's going past the first round, and although I enjoy watching it for the sake of a good fight, some of that uncertainty is lost.

So how can they make it better? Here's one suggestion:

- Same fighter format 16 fighters, two weight classes (definetly a strong point of the current show).
- Each figher submits their own bio to the show previous to picking them, in the form of a video, showing their training from their home town.
- The fight bracket for each class is predetermined
- The first show it dedicated to introducing each fighter, showing clips from their home-made videos, and show the first matchups. No fights on the first night.
- Each show afterwards will show how the fighters have trained for the upcoming fight with their own coaches. 10 min. dedicated for each fighter.
- Then the fight. Any time afterwards can be used to preview the next fight.

Aside:
- Get rid of the house. Instead each fighter stays in a hotel with their own coach(s).
- Use multiple gyms / multiple camera crews.
- Abolish any staged comedy from show.

I think something along these lines would make for a true reality show and more exciting to watch in it's entirity.

KRONOS · 10-18-2006, 10:08 AM

I'm not following this season of TUF. It's boring with the old skoolers. I like to see fresh meat, not old timers that didn't make it the 1st time around. Dana and Spike need to spice things up some how or their ratings are going to drop.

Maybe they can train in a different country or move them to a different house.

IMO...they need to chance something, cause I'm bored and I know I can probably speak for a lot of people too.

Anyone agree?

MasterMWM · 10-18-2006, 10:13 AM

I agree, they should try to keep the fighters more independent. Show where there from and how they got where they are now. I also think it should be little more like Tough Man Competition. Have a Tournement in one show and the winners move on. Do that every show. There is a lot of un discover talent out there to do look that. That way more people get a chance to prove themselves and we get a bunch of fight to watch.

FatCatMC · 10-18-2006, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweet_deals

I think it's time to do a little audit on "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show. I believe thay have signed a contract with SpikeTV to take the show to a seventh season (maybe someone can verify that for me), but the truth of the matter is, 75% of the show is getting boring. I think when it comes down to it, the majority of MMA fans want two things. To know each fighter before the fight, and to see a good fight. So when they house all the fighters in the same dorm-style house and make some obviously staged antics between the fighters (sometimes, I'll admit, they're funny, but that's not what I'm tuning in for), I feel the show loses some credibility.

Let's face it, TUF is in a unique position here. They have the potential to be the only true reality show on television, but instead (and I'm going to get bombarded for saying this), they've borrowed a page from the book of America's Next Top Model. People tune into the aformentioned show because they enjoy the side effects of putting a bunch of young woman on ego trips in a house and watch the hilarity ensue. People tune into TUF to learn about each fighter, form their own opinion about who is a better fighter, and watch them prove or disprove their opinion.

I was going to leave the ratings out of this post because they have nothing to do with my opinion, but when you have professional fighters on the show like Rich, Matt, GSP and Chuck, and the ratings continue to plummet, something's amiss.

And then there's the whole timing issue. One thing I love about MMA is the uncertainty of what's going to heppen next. Pure domenience of a round can be countered in a millisecond with a smart submission or a surprising knock out. When a fight begins at the half way mark of the show, you know that it's going past the first round, and although I enjoy watching it for the sake of a good fight, some of that uncertainty is lost.

So how can they make it better? Here's one suggestion:

- Same fighter format 16 fighters, two weight classes (definetly a strong point of the current show).
- Each figher submits their own bio to the show previous to picking them, in the form of a video, showing their training from their home town.
- The fight bracket for each class is predetermined
- The first show it dedicated to introducing each fighter, showing clips from their home-made videos, and show the first matchups. No fights on the first night.
- Each show afterwards will show how the fighters have trained for the upcoming fight with their own coaches. 10 min. dedicated for each fighter.
- Then the fight. Any time afterwards can be used to preview the next fight.

Aside:
- Get rid of the house. Instead each fighter stays in a hotel with their own coach(s).
- Use multiple gyms / multiple camera crews.
- Abolish any staged comedy from show.

I think something along these lines would make for a true reality show and more exciting to watch in it's entirity.

So you want to remove fighting from one episode, take away the rivalries that form between the combatants by training next to each other, and living together, and add a "real world type" bio episode. Sounds like a step in the wrong direction IMO.

angryjonny · 10-18-2006, 10:18 AM

TUF is The Real World with elevated levels of testosterone with more drama minus the women. As I've said before it served its purpose great with the first season. It's run its course though.

Ajw · 10-18-2006, 10:27 AM

I think they should have two fights every episode instead of dragging the thing out for two months. They can cut some of the "reality" stuff out of it and have it be about fighting.

EliManningPwndThePatriots · 10-18-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweet_deals

I think it's time to do a little audit on "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show. I believe thay have signed a contract with SpikeTV to take the show to a seventh season (maybe someone can verify that for me), but the truth of the matter is, 75% of the show is getting boring. I think when it comes down to it, the majority of MMA fans want two things. To know each fighter before the fight, and to see a good fight. So when they house all the fighters in the same dorm-style house and make some obviously staged antics between the fighters (sometimes, I'll admit, they're funny, but that's not what I'm tuning in for), I feel the show loses some credibility.

Let's face it, TUF is in a unique position here. They have the potential to be the only true reality show on television, but instead (and I'm going to get bombarded for saying this), they've borrowed a page from the book of America's Next Top Model. People tune into the aformentioned show because they enjoy the side effects of putting a bunch of young woman on ego trips in a house and watch the hilarity ensue. People tune into TUF to learn about each fighter, form their own opinion about who is a better fighter, and watch them prove or disprove their opinion.

I was going to leave the ratings out of this post because they have nothing to do with my opinion, but when you have professional fighters on the show like Rich, Matt, GSP and Chuck, and the ratings continue to plummet, something's amiss.

And then there's the whole timing issue. One thing I love about MMA is the uncertainty of what's going to heppen next. Pure domenience of a round can be countered in a millisecond with a smart submission or a surprising knock out. When a fight begins at the half way mark of the show, you know that it's going past the first round, and although I enjoy watching it for the sake of a good fight, some of that uncertainty is lost.

So how can they make it better? Here's one suggestion:

- Same fighter format 16 fighters, two weight classes (definetly a strong point of the current show).
- Each figher submits their own bio to the show previous to picking them, in the form of a video, showing their training from their home town.
- The fight bracket for each class is predetermined
- The first show it dedicated to introducing each fighter, showing clips from their home-made videos, and show the first matchups. No fights on the first night.
- Each show afterwards will show how the fighters have trained for the upcoming fight with their own coaches. 10 min. dedicated for each fighter.
- Then the fight. Any time afterwards can be used to preview the next fight.

Aside:
- Get rid of the house. Instead each fighter stays in a hotel with their own coach(s).
- Use multiple gyms / multiple camera crews.
- Abolish any staged comedy from show.

I think something along these lines would make for a true reality show and more exciting to watch in it's entirity.

They must be doing something right because last tuesday just the free Ultimate Fight Night (Which even started at 5pm PST) drew 4.7 million viewers, larger than the viewers so far of the freakin American and National League basball championship series.

Ajw · 10-18-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTKrav911

They must be doing something right because last tuesday just the free Ultimate Fight Night (Which even started at 5pm PST) drew 4.7 million viewers, larger than the viewers so far of the freakin American and National League basball championship series.

I dont think he is talking about the Ultimate Fight Night. Just the Ultimate Fighter show.

lwbfl · 10-18-2006, 10:53 AM

What you need to realize though, is that the show is not geared toward MMA fans. It's for people who are not YET fans, to see that the fighters are regular guys, with problems, families, etc who fight for a living. People seem to make an emotional bond with certain people once they find out about their personal lives. This brings in new fans, and keeps them tuned in so they can keep up with their favorite character. It's working great, because the new fans that joined in after / because of TUF1 didn't know these old cats we are seeing now. Now they will, and the old cats will get to stick around a bit longer.

comucazi · 10-18-2006, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwbfl

What you need to realize though, is that the show is not geared toward MMA fans. It's for people who are not YET fans, to see that the fighters are regular guys, with problems, families, etc who fight for a living. People seem to make an emotional bond with certain people once they find out about their personal lives. This brings in new fans, and keeps them tuned in so they can keep up with their favorite character. It's working great, because the new fans that joined in after / because of TUF1 didn't know these old cats we are seeing now. Now they will, and the old cats will get to stick around a bit longer.

thats the biggest thing right there dana and zuffa are tryin to get as close to main stream as possible without hitting the wrestling point.

sweet_deals · 10-18-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwbfl

What you need to realize though, is that the show is not geared toward MMA fans. It's for people who are not YET fans, to see that the fighters are regular guys, with problems, families, etc who fight for a living. People seem to make an emotional bond with certain people once they find out about their personal lives. This brings in new fans, and keeps them tuned in so they can keep up with their favorite character. It's working great, because the new fans that joined in after / because of TUF1 didn't know these old cats we are seeing now. Now they will, and the old cats will get to stick around a bit longer.

You make a very good point there.

I wonder what the contract between the show's creators and SpikeTV looks like. If the ratings continue to decrease, the show may run the risk of being canceled. That last thing I'd like to see is the show being replaced the latest installment of "When animals get jobs, start to hate their jobs, and then attack coworkers".

EliManningPwndThePatriots · 10-18-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajw

I dont think he is talking about the Ultimate Fight Night. Just the Ultimate Fighter show.

True, but the two sorta tie in together.

BTW, I agree with his suggestions, just not getting rid of the house.

You need entertainment on TV or you're not going to get viewers.

RobOne · 10-18-2006, 01:24 PM

they are pumping out to many season in a short period of time. I mean tuf 3 fighters are barely fighting their first fights and we are already near the end of TUF 4. They should really make the fans wait longer. To much to soon is not good.

King Kameamea · 10-18-2006, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryjonny

TUF is The Real World with elevated levels of testosterone with more drama minus the women. As I've said before it served its purpose great with the first season. It's run its course though.

I disagree. I can't get enough of seeing guys getting their asses kicked on TV for free. I look forward to it every Thursday night.

angryjonny · 10-18-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Kameamea

I disagree. I can't get enough of seeing guys getting their asses kicked on TV for free. I look forward to it every Thursday night.

What do you disagree with? That it served its purpose? Have you never seen fights on The Real World? If I had to choose between the two (which I wouldn't because I can't get into reality television) In my opinion The Real World is better because it at least has a few hot chicks in it. TUF is pretty much the same thing except it's a sausage fest with a bunch of dudes acting like little girls when they are in the house.

King Kameamea · 10-18-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryjonny

What do you disagree with? That it served its purpose? Have you never seen fights on The Real World? If I had to choose between the two (which I wouldn't because I can't get into reality television) In my opinion The Real World is better because it at least has a few hot chicks in it. TUF is pretty much the same thing except it's a sausage fest with a bunch of dudes acting like little girls when they are in the house.

...and many times one of them winds up with their face bashed in at the end of each episode.

angryjonny · 10-18-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Kameamea

...and many times one of them winds up with their face bashed in at the end of each episode.

Excellent rebuttal!

KRONOS · 10-18-2006, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryjonny

The Real World is better because it at least has a few hot chicks in it. TUF is pretty much the same thing except it's a sausage fest with a bunch of dudes acting like little girls when they are in the house.

Very true...LMAO!!!

duke09 · 10-18-2006, 02:03 PM

i agree with os e of you in that the show has stagnated, especially thi syear. i am not syure i see the logic when they picked these gys. patrick coet and edwin dewees might be tough, up and coming stars, but when you lookm at who they lost too, i am not sure they need a second chance, but rather a first chance.
it seems so paradoxical: putting these two guys with seasoned veretans on short nptice, then shipping them off when they lose. i dont think its fair to clallify these 2 with other washed up guys on the show. it slike comparing apples to oranges.
i am not sure what is needed, but the TUf certainly needs a shot in the arm. i think i liked the last three seasons better because the guys were hungrier and trying t o break into the sport. come on, shonie carter, he lacks drive and amition.
you dont see the antics with the professionals, but i knida liked the antics, real life isnt that sterile. again, shonie carter throwing bottles in the pool, and captain miserable. it may be reality, but not all things real should televised.
i also like the coach aspect better, but shamrocked sucked at it last year, so that may have been the reason it changed, but tito did a helluva job (holy cow, thre tito compliments in 2 days, whats going on??)
i think dana might have erred by putting the best fighters a scoaches too early, and didnt leave anything for later. liddell, hughes, frankiln, ortiz...many of the guys with any name recognition have been used. those who werent are trainers once in a while, it just seems like they are uninterested.

***who should be the next two coaches, any ideas?
i would like to see maybe tim sylvia and AA, or Monson and GSp, anyone with name recognition with guys who have the hunger to work there @sses off.

DrumzCT · 10-18-2006, 02:16 PM

I always thought the show would be far more enjoyable to watch and also much better for the sport if they focused on the training that goes on. They're doing two a days so they have to have a ton of training footage. That was my favorite part of the TUF I DVD set