By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

Season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter began as most expected (including the participants, a few of which can be seen smirking while Mr. White delivers) with Dana White launching into his modified ‘Do You Wanna Be a Fighter’ tirade. He also announces that the wildcard will return once again this season.

Once more fighters will have to compete for their chance at a spot in the house.

The first to take to the cage are Marc Stevens and T.J. O’Brien. Stevens makes short work of O’Brien, rendering him unconscious in under 20 seconds; a huge overhand right set O’Brien’s downfall in motion, a flurry finished the job. Spencer Paige and Steve Magdaleno compete next, making for a back and forth tussle that sees Paige emerge the victor via unanimous decision. Next up is one of the casts more experienced fighters, Nam Phan who makes short work of former professional skater Mike Budnik, stopping him with strikes in the first frame.

A few fight highlights are put on display which see Andy Main, Jonathon Brookins, Sako Chivitchian and Jeff Lentz all earn their spots in the house. After a completely dominating performance, Koscheck makes sure to inform Lentz that St. Pierre had picked him to lose the fight.

Paul “The Wheel” Barrow hit’s the octagon next, only to be disposed of by Alex Caceres who, according to Josh Koscheck “came out looking like a banana”. Caceres is all smiles in victory, and it doesn’t go unnoticed as White comments on the fact with a grin of his own. “Bruce Leroy might be for real. He smiled the whole [expletive] time he was fighting in there” states White.