The Ultimate Fighter: Season 12

Season 12 started this past Wednesday night with Josh Koscheck and Georges St. Pierre coaching a group of unproven lightweights. I'll admit, my expectations are not great, nor have they been for the last few seasons, but this first episode didn't disappoint.

To look at the fighters, you wouldn't think that the next BJ Penn or Frankie Edgar is among them, but thats the thing with the UFC, you cannot judge a book by its cover. Many of the most dangerous guys are the ones that look like your next door neighbor and not Kimbo Slice. As has been the case with the last few seasons, the 28 fighters had to fight there way on the show for the 14 spots in the house. Highlights included a 14 second knockout by New York native Marc Stevens, a nice triangle submission by Andy Main, an impressive ground and pound by Jeff Lentz, a brutal beatdown by Michael Johnson and a wicked guillotine choke by Cody McKenzie.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the emergence of Bruce Lee Roy who came out in a banana yellow jumpsuit and a shit eating grin on his face, but ultimately turned in a fine performance and won via choke against Paul Barrow. Lee Roy seems to be the character of this season and also one of Dana White's favorites. Hopefully he's more substance than talk, unlike past characters Jamie Yager and DaMarques Johnson.

This was a good kick start to what looks to be an entertaining season. The previews for the next few episodes include Koscheck going after an enormous black dude on GSP's staff that is twice his size, a guy getting laid out during a fight in the house and the normal tom foolery. Stay tuned.