The Ultimate Fighter is back and this time it’s the heavyweights and welterweights. Eighteen of the world’s toughest Mixed Martial Artists arrive in Las Vegas to compete for two contracts with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Coached by UFC World Champions, Matt Hughes and Rich Franklin, the two teams will battle each other in the Octagon to see who survives to become The Ultimate Fighter.

The coaches make their choices and Team Hughes battles Team Franklin in the first challenge. The opening fight of the season is a knock-out brawl between two welterweights.

Coach Hughes gets annoyed with the constant whining of one of his fighters. A new fighter arrives at the house ruffling some feathers and the heavyweights prepare for their first battle in the Octagon.

The fighters form alliances to advance in the competition. Coach Hughes plays mind games with Jorge. And a second welterweight is sent home in brutal fashion.

Matt continues to taunt Jorge. Team Franklin adopts some bizarre training practices. And two more heavyweights go toe to toe in the Octagon.

A dispute over Rashad’s conduct in the Octagon leads to tension at the house. Matt makes his team pay for Tom’s loss. A welterweight suffers a crushing defeat in an all out three round slugfest.

Jason’s victory fails to win over Matt Hughes. The teams are re-balanced. Things get slippery at the next challenge. And clash of styles in the Octagon sends another heavyweight home.

Team Franklin launches a sneak attack on Team Hughes. Dana warns the fighters to step it up in the Octagon if they ever want to make it in the UFC. Two welterweights listen to his advice and go to war.

After his victory, Luke goes on a binge. Brad quickly learns how different training is over at Team Hughes. And a heavyweight must live up to everyone’s expectations.

Team Hughes is stunned by Mike’s humiliating loss to Rashad. Dana announces the fight match-ups for the semi-finals, and a welterweight demonstrates his killer instinct to become the first finalist.

Rashad Evans takes on Keith Jardine in the first heavyweight semi-final match. But before the fists can fly, Rashad must contend with Matt Hughes being his corner man.

A doctor examines Jason’s cut to determine if he can fight. If he can’t, Marcus will take his place and fight Joe in the 2nd welterweight semi-final. In the heavyweight semi-final, Brad and Seth battle for the last spot in the finals.

The finals take place and the two six figure contracts are awarded. First, in the welterweight division, Joe "Daddy" Stevenson will face off against Luke Cummo. Next, Brad "Hillbilly Heartthrob" Imes will battle it out with Rashad Evans in the heavyweight division. Then, one of last year's winners, Diego Sanchez goes face to face with Nick Diaz for the main event.