The 12th season of Spike TV's popular original series, "The Ultimate Fighter," will feature 28 of the best up-and-coming mixed martial artists in the lightweight division (155 lbs) competing for a six-figure contract with the preeminent mixed martial organization in the world, The Ultimate Fighting Championship.

From Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, California, to Manchester, England, the 28 fighters, with a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, have all gathered in Las Vegas with one goal—to become the next "The Ultimate Fighter." As in prior seasons, 14 of these competitors will win a preliminary bout to gain a place in the Ultimate Fighter House, one step closer to their ultimate goal, whereas the losers of these bouts are sent home.



Two of mixed martial arts' biggest stars—UFC welterweight champion Georges "Rush" St-Pierre, and the number one contender to his belt, Josh Koscheck, will serve as coaches this season. The two will square off as coaches during the 12 week run of the show, and will later meet inside the Octagon with the welterweight title on the line at a UFC pay-per-view event. The new season premieres Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 10:00 PM ET/PT featuring the following cast members:

Jason Ambrose
Fighting out of: Santa Clara, CA/ AKA
Record: 12-2
Age: 23

Paul Barrow
Fighting out of: Tampa, FL/ Gracie Tampa
Record: 2-0
Age: 24

Jason Brenton
Fighting out of: Grand Junction, CO/ 8th St., Impact Boxing
Record: 6-0
Age: 23

Jonathan Brookins
Fighting out of: Orlando, FL/ Gracie Barra Orlando
Record: 11-2
Age: 24

Mike Budnik
Fighting out of: Broken Arrow, OK/ Triton
Record: 8-4
Age: 35

Alex Caceres
Fighting out of: Miami, FL/ Young Tigers Foundation
Record: 4-2
Age: 21

Sako Chivitchian
Fighting out of: Glendale, CA/ Gokor/ Gene Le Bell/ Hayastan MMA
Record: 5-0
Age: 26

Joseph Duffy
Fighting out of: Donegal, Ireland / Falcons Martial Arts
Record: 7-0
Age: 22

Pablo Garza
Fighting out of: Fargo, ND/ Academy of Combat Arts
Record: 7-0
Age: 26

Toby Grear
Fighting out of: Los Angeles, CA/ True Warrior
Record: 7-4-1
Age: 30

Daniel Head
Fighting out of: Sharpsville, IN/ Ibjja
Record: 6-2
Age: 23

Michael Johnson
Fighting out of: Springfield, MO/ Springfield Fight Club
Record: 8-4
Age: 23

   Amir Khillah
Fighting out of: Kalamazoo, MI/ Jeremy Horn's Elite
Record: 6-4
Age: 30

Jeff Lentz
Fighting out of: Lanoka Harbor, NJ/ Kurt Pellegrino MMA
Record: 6-1
Age: 21

Sevak Magakian
Fighting out of: Glendale, CA/ Hayastan MMA/ Main Event
Record: 8-3
Age: 24

Steve Magdaleno
Fighting out of: Torrance, CA/ VMAT
Record: 5-1
Age: 28

Andy Main
Fighting out of: Boonton, NJ/ AMA Fight Club
Record: 4-1
Age: 21

Cody McKenzie
Fighting out of: Metaline, WA/ Fancy Pants Fight Team
Record: 10-0
Age: 22

   TJ O'Brien
Fighting out of: Prole, IA/ Round Kick
Record: 13-3
Age: 23

Spencer Paige
Fighting out of: Watertown, NY/ CNY MMA
Record: 5-2
Age: 24

Nam Phan
Fighting out of: Garden Grove, CA/ Ma Du Academy
Record: 15-7
Age: 27

Michael Richman
Fighting out of: Rosemount, MN/ MN Fight Factory
Record: 8-0
Age: 24

Dane Sayers
Fighting out of: Fargo, ND/ Academy of Combat Arts
Record: 7-1
Age: 22

Ariel Sexton
Fighting out of: San Jose, CA/ Renzo Gracie
Record: 6-3
Age: 28

Marc Stevens
Fighting out of: Jiu Jitsu Nation / Tai Kai BJJ
Record: 12-5
Age: 24

Kyle Watson
Fighting out of: St. Louis, MO/ The Hit Squad
Record: 13-6-1
Age: 30

Ran Weathers
Fighting out of: Albuquerque, NM/ Greg Jackson's MMA
Record: 13-5
Age: 28

Aaron Wilkinson
Fighting out of: Manchester, England/ Wolfslair MMA Academy
Record: 6-3
Age: 23

During the six-week taping of "The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck," the competitors endured a grueling regimen of jiu-jitsu, judo, Muay Thai, karate, boxing and wrestling. The intense competition among the fighters continues after they leave the gym—at the Ultimate Fighter House. These warriors must live together, knowing that any day they might be forced to fight each other in the famed UFC Octagon.

The two finalists will square off in a live finale on Spike TV, where the winner will be declared "The Ultimate Fighter" and net the six-figure contract. UFC President Dana White will once again serve as host of the series.

Craig Piligian of Pilgrim Films and Television, Frank Fertitta III, Lorenzo Fertitta, Dana White of Zuffa, LLC, and Kevin Kay of Spike TV are the show's executive producers. Brian J. Diamond, senior vice president, sports & specials, Spike TV is co-executive producer and Christopher Martello is executive in charge of production for Spike TV.