Mehdi Baghdad

The Ultimate Fighter is the reality series that launched the mixed martial arts explosion around the world in 2005. Through 12 weeks, 16 up-and-coming mixed martial artists fight to stay in the house while given world-class coaching by the UFC’s elite fighters. Each competes to be declared the Ultimate Fighter and win a six-figure UFC contract.

Shortly after a coin toss decided which team would get to pick the first preliminary fight, coach Conor McGregor gathers the European fighters and delivers a prepared speech outlining what his team can expect this season. That night, the winning European and American fighters move into the TUF house. After scoping out their new digs and picking their rooms, a celebratory barbecue ensues. Eager to turn their focus to the competition, the fighters waste no time in starting to size up the competition and new friendships are forged.

Conor McGregor shows up for the evening practice and is very hands on with technique with his team, then focuses on getting his fighter ready for the second preliminary fight. Conor emphasizes that patience is most important and has his fighter go through sequences that will help him come out victorious. On the other side, Urijah Faber trains his American fighter, who gave his opponent a beating during his elimination fight and is confident he will win. One of the European fighter's shares the story of how he overcame a health condition at an early age that crippled him, and had to learn to walk again leading to his decision to pursue MMA. Later, Urijah Faber and his assistant coaches stop by the house to watch the fights on TV as his friend TJ Dillashaw's defends the belt against Renan Barao. The tension rises between the coaches during the weigh in, as Conor tries to get under Faber's skin and tells him he should fight TJ Dillashaw. The second preliminary fight takes place and one of the coaches completely loses it when his fighter refuses to listen to his commands and does exactly the opposite. At the end of the fight, one coach confronts the other for his behavior and gives him a piece of advice. One team remains in control of the fight pick and the third preliminary fight is announced. Two eager fighters step forward and face off.

14 welterweights from past seasons of The Ultimate Fighter return to the UFC training center for a second chance in the competition. Some have heartbreaking stories of defeat, others underachieved in the UFC, but all are in search of redemption. After the fighters arrive, Dana White brings in the coaches, UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, and former bantamweight champion and TUF alum, TJ Dillashaw. Former training partners turned bitter rivals, the coaches start the competition by picking their teams and announcing the first two fights, which will happen on the same day.

The teams and their coaches react to the latest fight announcement in their respective locker rooms. The fighters for the upcoming bout feel confident in their ability to come out victorious. Back at the house, last episode’s loser struggles with the agonizing pain of defeat while his teammates try to console him. As the competition heats up, Conor goes back to the gym to work with his fighters. Having a very clear idea of how the next fight will unfold, Conor devotes his practice to a series of mat exercises and grappling drills. Meanwhile, during Team USA practice, Urijah expresses concern over his next fighter’s technical abilities. He works hard with him in the cage, doing his best to get him ready in a very limited amount of time. The fighters get a much-needed night out and meet up with the coaches at a sushi restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. They let loose in a jovial atmosphere and enjoy good food and libations while reflecting on their amazing experience thus far. However, as the days pass, it becomes clear that not all competitors seem to be relishing their time on The Ultimate Fighter. American Chris Gruetzemacher reveals to his teammate that he is unhappy and ready to be done with the competition. The time finally comes for the fourth preliminary fight and both fighters give it their all in the cage. After Urijah and Conor exchange their usual friendly banter, the winning coach picks the matchup for the fifth preliminary fight, which promises to be quite a fierce stand up battle.