TUF Nations Finale's Michael Bisping still high on 'Ultimate Fighter' experience

(This story first appeared in Wednesday’s USA TODAY.)

QUEBEC CITY — Michael Bisping won Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2006 to earn a UFC contract, which is why he’s feeling a little nostalgic ahead of tonight’s latest UFC event, the TUF Nations Finale.

The UFC has produced nearly two dozen domestic and international editions of the groundbreaking series since its debut in 2005. An international edition – “The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia” – comes to an end tonight while a domestic installment – “The Ultimate Fighter 19” – debuts on FOX Sports 1 (10 p.m. ET).

“TUF 19” airs immediately following Bisping’s (24-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) headlining bout against middleweight Tim Kennedy (17-4 MMA, 2-0 UFC) at the TUF Nations Finale. The event, which features a mix of UFC vets and “TUF” tournament finalists, kicks off on FOX Sports 1 at 5 p.m. ET at Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, Canada.

“For me, ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ has been massive,” Bisping tells USA TODAY Sports. “I think it is a fantastic vehicle to find the new talent of tomorrow.”

The turnover rate for UFC fighters is high, and the organization cuts many competitors before they ever gain traction with fans. According to Bisping, that’s what makes “TUF” such a great option for prospects: They get the type of exposure that sets them apart from other UFC rookies.

“It give the fighters a fan base immediately after being on the show,” says Bisping, who’s now in his ninth year in the UFC. “It allows the public to see what we’re going through as fighters – the training involved, the physiological side of things. It’s a great tool.”

The series has been a critical part of Bisping’s career. Not only was he a cast member and show winner, he’s also appeared as a coach on two seasons. Yet, he’d happily do it again.

“I went back and coached it twice, and I would like to coach it again,” Bisping says. “The Ultimate Fighter has found lots of great talent. A lot of the big-name fighters in the UFC now came through ‘TUF.’”

The new 19th season features former champs B.J. Penn and Frankie Edgar in coaching roles. Thirty-two middleweight and light heavyweight fighters compete in an elimination round of fights, and the winners become official cast members.

Although recent seasons haven’t produced the top-level prospects earlier installments did, “TUF 19” could buck the trend. Cathal Pendred, Lyman Good, Dhiego Lima, Chris Fields, Daniel Spohn and other familiar names signed up for the show and can be seen on tonight’s season debut.

That’s why, despite its long TV run, Bisping believes the UFC’s reality show still plays an important role.

“I think it’s going to have a long future,” Bisping says. “There might be the odd season where the talent isn’t too great, but every season can’t be the best season.

“Every year there is going to be that new talent, and it’s just going to be better and better. There will always be a place for ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’”

And, ideally, it will continue to find and develop fighters like Bisping. On a night that will see dozens of lower-level UFC hopefuls jockeying for coveted UFC roster spots, Bisping’s main event slot is proof the payoffs of “TUF” can be immense.

“I’m certainly one of the most successful guys to come from the show,” Bisping says. “There’s Forrest Griffin, Diego Sanchez, Rashad Evans and the list goes on. I’m proud to be one of the original winners and one of the most successful.”

For more on the TUF Nations Finale, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.