Time to rethink the UFC’s reality series

The show traditionally features two current UFC fighters as coaches. And with one being former UFC champ and pay-per-view kingpin Brock Lesnar this season, “TUF 13” expectations were huge. But the show suffered from low ratings, few legitimate contenders and even the loss of a coach-vs.-coach fight between Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos (due to Lesnar’s second bout of diverticulitis). Worse yet, the show’s pariah — Tony Ferguson — ultimately won the 16-slot tournament while beating one of the show’s most likable cast members, Ramsey Nijem.

“TUF” returns in September with Michael Bisping and Jason “Mayhem” Miller as coaches, and it’ll feature 135- and 145-pound fighters for the first time. But the format is played out, and due to restrictive contracts all “TUF” cast members must sign, it’s likely to keep away the better prospects.

UFC president Dana White recently discussed the possibility of pulling in more international talent and using different countries as teams.

“It’d be like the World Cup of ‘TUF,’ ” White said. “Dude, if we can nail that one, that’s my dream.”

It’d be a solid first step toward an overhaul of the show — one that’s badly needed. With the show once the best vehicle for the UFC to draw in new fans, it now caters largely to the existing fan base. And they need something new if the series wants to stay relevant.

Bellefontaine’s Edwards loses heartbreaker

Bellefontaine native and former University of Urbana football player Justin Edwards fell just short in his UFC debut.

Edwards suffered a close split-decision defeat to Clay Harvison on Saturday at The Ultimate Fighter 13 finale in Las Vegas.

Edwards, who was an injury-replacement fighter in the 16-slot tournament, eventually was knocked out of the tourney by show champion Ferguson. However, as with past seasons, a handful of the top cast members were booked for fights on the finale’s undercard.

Edwards (7-1) started strong but ultimately faded in the later rounds, which allowed Harvison (9-3) to get the judges’ nod.

Despite the gutsy performance, which streamed live on Facebook, the UFC likely will release Edwards due to the defeat.

Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of MMAjunkie.com, voted best media outlet in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 World MMA Awards. For the latest mixed-martial-arts news, go to MMAjunkie.com.