is a cornerstone of mixed martial arts history, often credited with saving the UFC from bankruptcy and propelling the sport into the mainstream.
Since its 2005 debut, the reality series has followed professional fighters living together in a Las Vegas house, training and competing in a tournament format for a lucrative six-figure UFC contract. The Ultimate Fighter image
In 2004, the UFC was struggling financially, having lost roughly under its new ownership. The owners viewed The Ultimate Fighter as a final "roll of the dice". is a cornerstone of mixed martial arts history,