The Ultimate Fighter
Best Moments From The Return Of The Ultimate Fighter
With the finale quickly approaching this weekend, look back at the best moments from The Return of The Ultimate Fighter.
After a nearly three-year hiatus, The Ultimate Fighter returned for its 29th season. 16 fighters, eight bantamweights and eight middleweights, competed in the UFC APEX for a shot at joining the UFC and making their dreams come true.
This season, the historic competition was led by UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and top featherweight contender Brian Ortega, who are scheduled to face each other at UFC 266 on September 25.
Thanks to some crazy fights, hilarious pranks and plenty of high stakes, The Return of The Ultimate Fighter was a season we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
With the finale quickly approaching this weekend, look back at the best moments from The Return of The Ultimate Fighter.
Episode 1
WE ARE BACK - Dana White Welcomes The TUF contestants
TUF is back in action 👊
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2021
📺 Don't miss the return TUESDAY June 1st at 6pmPT on @ESPNPlus. #ReturnOfTUF pic.twitter.com/0annE4ZO3c
There is always something special when UFC President Dana White welcomes the UFC hopefuls to the competition. But there was something different about him walking through the halls of the UFC APEX and seeing all the jerseys from previous seasons. The smile on White’s face said it all - it was good to be back.
Episode 4
Back From The Brink - Vince Murdock Completes His Comeback
Vince Murdock tells his team and coaches about his journey in MMA, including how he was signed to the UFC prior to being diagnosed with moyamoya disease and having brain surgery. Murdock then goes on to knock out Dustin Lampros in the first round to move on to the semi-finals.
Vince Murdock Post-Fight Interview | The Return of The Ultimate Fighter Episode 4
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Vince Murdock Post-Fight Interview | The Return of The Ultimate Fighter Episode 4
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Episode 5
The Zombie Walk – Kemran Lachinov Walks Bryan Battle Down
If you've never seen @killa_kem_ fight, this sneak peak from tonight's #ReturnOfTUF should give you an idea 😳
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 29, 2021
Stream the episode starting at 9 PM ET on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/l0LXVGExRv
Episode 6
Bantamweight Beast Mode – Ricky Turcios and Dan Argueta Go To War
When the quarterfinal matchup between Ricky Turcios and Dan Argueta was announced, everyone knew it was going to be a banger. The two bantamweights didn’t disappoint, delivering 15 minutes of fast paced hard-nosed action. There was back and forth action on the feet, intense scrambles, and plenty of heart, making it one of the best fights of the season. In the end, it was Turcios who earned the final nod and moved on to the semifinals.
BONUS: Team Ortega steals the tires off Team Volkanovki’s car and leaves donkeys for them to use as transportation.
Episode 10
Battling His Way To The Finale – Bryan Battle Submits Andre Petroski To Move On
Got the nod from the Boss 🙌
— UFC (@ufc) August 10, 2021
📺 Who tuned in for last week's episode of #ReturnOfTUF?
[ New Episode Airs TONIGHT on @ESPNPlus | 9pmET ] pic.twitter.com/yIOZoCG84g
When we were first introduced to Bryan Battle, he told the cameras: “I’m world-class; people just don’t know it yet.” And he proved it yet again by defeating Andre Petroski by submission due to a guillotine choke in the second round of their semifinal bout. It was a surreal moment for the middleweight, who was picked second to last in the competition.
Episode 11
Who Doesn’t Like A Good Prank? – Team Ortega Fills Team Volkanovski’s Locker Room With Snakes
#TeamOrtega goes cold-blooded as the prank wars continue.
— UFC (@ufc) August 12, 2021
[ #ReturnOfTUF | Tuesdays on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/U9kyJMKTF5
The look on Brady Hiestand’s face when he opens the door to see giant snakes is priceless and definitely one of the best pranks of the season.
BONUS: Brian Ortega wins the $10,000 coaches challenge and then puts Dana White on the spot, asking him for $2,000 more. White agrees and then Ortega splits his winnings between the fighters on both teams.
Episode 12
One Punch KO – Tresean Gore Takes Out Gilbert Urbina With One Strike
Tresean Gore’s TUF season was derailed by an injury, but he’s no stranger to overcoming obstacles 💯 pic.twitter.com/hsroBHDDuz
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 20, 2021
Early in the second round of their semifinal bout, Tresean Gore connected with a beautiful left hook that put Gilbert Urbina to the canvas. The strike was perfectly timed and was exactly what Ortega thought Gore was capable of.
RECAP EVERY TUF EPISODE: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 | Episode 10 | Episode 11 | Episode 12
Honorable Mentions:
Team Volkanovski coming back from 0-4 to win seven straight fights, Volkanovski’s clock prank, Donald Cerrone joining Volkanovski’s training session, Ortega talking about his childhood, Ricky Turcios vs Liudvik Sholinian, Brady Hiestand vs Josh Rettinghouse.