Much has been made about the lack of TUF 16 fighters being on the show’s season finale. Heading into today there were eight non-TUF 16 fights booked plus the main event of Shane Carwin vs. Roy Nelson and the TUF 16 finalists. Well now we’re up to nine fights and eleven overall, as TUF: Live competitors John Cofer and Mike Rio square off. MMA Junkie has the story:
A lightweight matchup between “The Ultimate Figher: Live” cast members John Cofer (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and Mike Rio (8-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is set for December’s The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale.
UFC officials today announced the new matchup, which is expected to take place on the evening’s preliminary card.
Cofer was last seen getting viciously knocked out by Justin Lawrence on the TUF: Live Finale. He was eliminated in the round of 16 against Vinc Pinchel. Mike Rio wasn’t even on the season finale and like Cofer he lost in the round of 16, a 2nd round submission against Andy Ogle.
There are three fighters from TUF 15 on this card (Pinchel is also fighting on the prelims) yet it looks like only the finalists are getting a spot on the finale. If that isn’t a perfect picture of the current quality of The Ultimate Fighter, I don’t know what is.