The Ultimate Fighter Season 12: "The Dirty Dozen" Part III

For you parents out there, you've probably just sent your kids back to school this week and are now left with a sad feeling in the pit of your gut because you can't go in and break up the fights that your two boys have been having around the house all summer. 

Well no worries, B/R has got something for you to fill that roughhousing need. What, you ask could possibly help you fill this void?

Enter The Ultimate Fighter, season 12. 

The brainchild of UFC President Dana White, The Fertitta brothers, and reality show guru Craig Piligian (American Chopper, Dirty Jobs); TUF started back in 2005 as a vehicle to establish more mainstream acceptance for not only The Ultimate Fighting Championship, but for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts in general.

It was a huge risk for Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, as they had to finance the majority of the first season; but most of you know the end result, the risk paid off big time, and not only catapulted The UFC into the mainstream popularity that it’s currently experiencing, but it turned average guys into household names nearly overnight.

In part three of our four part Bleacher Report exclusive, we’ll be sitting down with each of the 28 contestants for the upcoming 12th season which premieres Sept. 15 on Spike TV.

During our time with each fighter we’ll put them in the hot seat and ask them 12 thought provoking questions in honor of the 12th season.

This set of “dirty dozen” will help you get a little more insight into what you can expect for what looks to be the best season yet.

Ran Weathers

What or Who first inspired you to get into martial arts?

Watched the first couple, and always respected it. In college me and some friends built are own ring/cage and fought. When I transferred schools I found a BJJ school a mile down the road. I trained the first night I went in, and fought my first month. The rest is history.


Who is your favorite fighter right now, and why?

I don’t really have one. Myself?

Who are you? : A Striker, A Wrestler, or Submission Specialist?

Good question! I’m definitely not a wrestler, I know that!

If you weren’t a fighter, what would you be doing right now?

Serving a sentence.

Where did you grow up, and how has it made you the man you are today?

I grew up in Atlanta. State raised baby!

Why should the other fighters on the show fear you?

They shouldn’t.

Are you going to be the resident bad boy this season?

lol

Who has been the single biggest influence in your life?

Myself. You learn from your mistakes and rebuild yourself better

In your opinion, what is the greatest season of the Ultimate Fighter of all time?

What’s your favorite way to end a fight?

KO

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I was really good at tennis in HS

Favorite walkout song?

Changes every fight

Aaron Wilkinson

What or Who first inspired you to get into martial arts?

After watching the UFC for a few years, I came across the second season of the Ultimate Fighter. After watching the training, I fancied giving it a go, and it all sort of progressed from there.

Who is your favorite fighter right now, and why?

Nick Diaz, for his awesome fights and the fact he is so good in all area's.

Who are you? : A Striker, A Wrestler, or Submission Specialist?

I'm an all-rounder.  I don't fall in to any one bracket.

If you weren’t a fighter, what would you be doing right now?

Eating a lot more unhealthy food!.

Where did you grow up, and how has it made you the man you are today?

On the mean streets of Irlam, Manchester a quiet suburb where nothing ever happens. That is why I am so polite!

Why should the other fighters on the show fear you?

I don't quit, I'm that fight that nobody wants.

Quick Pick: Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris?

Bruce Lee un-armed/ Chuck Norris in a street fight.

If you’re Joe Silva, and had the power to make any match up you wanted, regardless of weight class what would it be?

Nick Diaz V's GSP

Who has been the single biggest influence in your life?

Family 

What’s your favorite way to end a fight?

Anyway, a win is a win

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I was almost the Milky Bar kid (famous candy bar commercial in the UK)

Favorite walkout song? 

Oasis-champagne super nova

Pablo Garza

What or Who first inspired you to get into martial arts?

 I played college basket ball so i needed something else that could satisfy my competitive drive. so it was my will to compete.

Who is your favorite fighter right now, and why?

 GSP by far. He's the complete package! He has it all, wrestling, standing, and the jits.

Who are you? : A Striker, A Wrestler, or Submission Specialist?

well when I got started in MMA i didnt have a background in any martial arts. when i started i started fresh. so i like to consider myself well rounded

If you weren’t a fighter, what would you be doing right now?

Well i currently teach at the university of north dakota. so i say i'd be doing that. maybe go back to school and get a masters too.

Where did you grow up, and how has it made you the man you are today?

 my family was always moving from place to place when i was young. when we finally settled down it was in a small farming town of about 5 thousand. so i grew up working in the fields with farmers. so that hard working mentality was engraved in me at a young age.

Why should the other fighters on the show fear you?

 because im well rounded and can fight anywhere

Quick Pick: Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris?

hands down bruce lee

If you’re Joe Silva, and had the power to make any match up you wanted,regardless of weight class what would it be?

GSP vs Anderson silva

Who has been the single biggest influence in your life?

hands down family!

In your opinion, what is the greatest season of the Ultimate Fighter of all time?

 my season.

Why should we root for you to win this season?

 im a happy fun loving guy!

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

that i never wrestled in high school or college and before i started training four years ago i had to previous martial

Spencer Paige

What or Who first inspired you to get into martial arts?

Rewind to 1990.  I was about 5 years old and my parents basically told me that I was going to a Martial Arts class.  It’s really weird, because throughout my whole life I never have forgotten this moment; I looked at them and said, “I hate art, I hate drawing and painting.”  Later in life, I was a freshman in college when I saw the first Ultimate Fightnight featuring Rich Franklin vs Ken Shamrock and after watching that I decided to pursue MMA.

Who is your favorite fighter right now, and why? 

I’ve gotten to a point where I’m not a fan of any single fighter.  I’m a fan of a bunch of different guys, based on what they’re good at.  I’ve always been a big fan of Couture and GSP.  This one is going to come out of right field but, I’ve also always been a fan of Josh Neer.  I like the fact that every time he fights, he lays it all on the line and fights like it will be his last.

Who are you? : A Striker, A Wrestler, or Submission Specialist?

I’m a striker.  I like to punch and kick.  I got ringworm once on my forehead from grappling practice, I didn’t like it.

If you weren’t a fighter, what would you be doing right now?

I’d probably be a full time student.  Let’s not think or talk about that.  MMA is not only my life, it’s also what keeps me sane.  I’d be a much different person without martial arts.

 Where did you grow up, and how has it made you the man you are today?

I grew up in a place where everyone always seemed too happy with following the average path that life can take you on.  You know what I’m talking about?  Graduate from highschool, do the college thing, get a job, have kids and take a vacation once a year to go somewhere warm.  I guess that Norfolk, NY has that typical small town mentality (and don’t get me wrong, I visit my parents and my home town frequently, I love upstate NY).  It isn’t that I dislike it or have any feelings of resentment or regret about growing up in Norfolk, NY.  However, I just always felt like I wanted to do something different than everyone else from my graduating class was going to do.  As a kid I remember thinking about my life and how I wanted to start at the bottom and work my way up in whatever I decide to do.  I wanted to be active and not sit behind a desk doing paperwork all day.  I think that’s what made my decision to compete in MMA so easy, it fit the criteria. 

Why should the other fighters on the show fear you?

I think that my biggest strength as a fighter is my ability to get better as a fight progresses (especially if I start the fight doing well).  If I start landing early in a fight, it’s usually not good for the other dude.  If I’m able to settle in and get comfy, I’m able to get my timing down and get a good read on my opponent.  Once I’ve out-thinked someone in the cage, I’m tough to beat.

Quick Pick: Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris?
Oh man, I can’t pick between these two.  When I was a little kid I had posters of both hung in my room. 

If you’re Joe Silva, and had the power to make any match up you wanted,regardless of weight class what would it be?

I’d love to fight BJ Penn!  At this point in time, it probably wouldn’t end favorably for me lol.  But, even though Frankie just beat him, BJ has been the greatest lightweight that has ever fought in this sport.  I’d learn more from a loss to a top guy like him than I would in 10 fights against mediocre talent. 

Are you going to be the resident bad boy this season?
Nah, I’m a nice guy.  I like to help people and make them feel good about themselves.  Not bring people down by acting like a dick.

Who has been the single biggest influence in your life?

I’ve had a ton of influences.  I’ve had some great instructors, worked with a ton of great fighters and met thousands of people throughout my college years.  I have a great group of friends and family.  I try to learn something from everyone and because of that, everyone I meet has an influence on my life.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

One year ago I was making $8/hour. 

Favorite walkout song?

Anything top 40.  My last local fight I came out to Miley Cyrus- Party in the USA.  The crowd loved it!

TJ O'Brien

What or Who first inspired you to get into martial arts?

I always heard how good of a fighter my dad was and how tough he was so i always wanted to be a fighter, then once i found out i could do it without getting in trouble i was stoked

Who is your favorite fighter right now, and why? 

Anderson Silva because my style is most like his and i just think hes the best...GSP is a close 2^nd though because of his athleticism and discipline

Who are you? : A Striker, A Wrestler, or Submission Specialist? 

Submission

If you weren’t a fighter, what would you be doing right now?

I would be in trouble, so prob working where ever would hire me

Why should the other fighters on the show fear you?

 Because of my work ethic and i have shown less than half my potential and with the right coaches and opportunity i will be unstoppable 

If you’re Joe Silva, and had the power to make any match up you wanted,regardless of weight class what would it be?

 St Pierre vs A. Silva

Are you going to be the resident bad boy this season?
No

Who has been the single biggest influence in your life?

My dad

In your opinion, what is the greatest season of the Ultimate Fighter of all time?

 First season of lightweights I don't remember what season it was but those guys were great and crazy

 What’s your favorite way to end a fight?

I have submitted all my fights as a pro but as a amateur i got a few knockouts and that was a great feeling

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you? 

That i have a 78 inch reach

Favorite walkout song?

 I walk out to Shipping up to Boston every time, it just gets me in the right zone

Jonathan Brookins

What or Who first inspired you to get into martial arts? 

Initially there was these two brothers Anthony and Gabe Rodriguez who I wrestled on the same college team with that planted the first seed of inspiration for martial arts. - I remember during the off season they would grapple and try and tap each other out and talk about how they were definitely going to compete in Mixed Martial Arts one day, that was the first time I ever thought about giving it a shot. Fast forward a little and I got myself kicked out of college and had to go look for something to stay productive. The first person I ever met who really was involved in Mixed Martial Arts was Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennet (now known as Kid Choas) and we would ride around Ocala Florida talking about Japan, fighting, and traveling, and I knew that this was a sport I wanted to do.  

Who is your favorite fighter right now, and why? 

 George St. Pierre. - He is the most innovative fighter I think we have in the sport right now. He's broken the most ground for this sport and really helped bring it some great notoriety. I respect him a lot for that.

Chris Leben. - Because he's from my home town and I love his drive and determination for the sport. 

Alex Caceres (Bruce Leeroy) - Because he has the most fun during his fights. haha.

Who are you? : A Striker, A Wrestler, or Submission Specialist? 

 I am a wrestler at heart. I found my first love for competition in wrestling. But every aspect of the game is something I would like to become a very productive student in.  

If you weren’t a fighter, what would you be doing right now? 

 Production somewhere I think. Definitely something media based. I think there are more outlets and ways to make money within any form of media then anything else. No other goods or services get consumed on the daily like media.... Like this right now... :-)

Quick Pick: Ken or Ryu? 

 Man, the ultimate choice of competitors, you are definitely either one or the other. As a kid I always felt like Ryu fought for the right reasons, he fought for something bigger like it was his destiny to be the best! But I couldn't help but relate with Ken given that he was an American an all. Sometimes when the choice got to hard I would just say f*ck it and whoop ass with Chun-li.

Where did you grow up, and how has it made you the man you are today? 

 I  grew up in Portland Oregon. - I think it helped shaped me into a fairly laid back individual. Portland has a reputation for breeding pretty mellow people. I think I tend to fall into that category.

Why should the other fighters on the show fear you? 

 Because I breakdance....

Quick Pick: Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris? 

 No question Bruce all the way. - I never could get with Chuck Norris even if he does have a 101 reasons why he is a super human.

Are you going to be the resident bad boy this season? 

 Nah, not even close. but big shot out to those who are I thought they were hilarious.

Who has been the single biggest influence in your life?

My high school wrestling coach Guy Takahashi. He gave me the complete formula on how to approach one on one competition.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you? 

I can fly. 

Favorite walkout song?

Easy Pick. Heatwave -Grooveline! -- Best walk out song I ever came out to at least. - I like when people come out to FUNK! There isn't enough of that. - MORE FUNK!

Michael Richman

 What or Who first inspired you to get into martial arts?

First it was Boxing, I was a huge Arturo Gatti and Prince Naseem fan. Then as the UFC grew, I always felt like I had the natural talent to fight. I got out of the Marine Corps to pursue the dream of become a pro MMA fighter. Not just a fucking club fighter, one that makes a living out of fighting his career, his life

Who is your favorite fighter right now, and why?

It has to be Jose Aldo, he is a fucking beast, he could come up to 155 and make a legit run at the title he is that good. He could drop and win the 135 pound belt and be a 3 weight class champ.

Who are you? : A Striker, A Wrestler, or Submission Specialist?

Striker/Grappler

If you weren’t a fighter, what would you be doing right now?

I would probably still be in the Marine Corps

Where did you grow up, and how has it made you the man you are today?

I grew up in Rosemount MN, a small suburban city south of the Twin Cities. Where I grew up didn’t make who I am today the Corps did.

Why should the other fighters on the show fear you?

Because I’m always dangerous, you can’t finish me, I have a granite chin, and good sub defense, and Hit hard, I’m the Arturo Gatti of MMA

If you’re Joe Silva, and had the power to make any match up you wanted,regardless of weight class what would it be?

Jon Jones vs. Anderson Silva

Are you going to be the resident bad boy this season?

 If that’s how they see me, I just don’t give a fuck about other people.

In your opinion, what is the greatest season of the Ultimate Fighter of all time?

The Lightweight Season with BJ Penn and Jens Pulver as coaches.

Why should we root for you to win this season?

It really doesn’t  fucking matter if people root for me or not.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I lost both of my parents when I was 5 years old.

Favorite walkout song?

 I Made It by Kevin Rudolph, lil wayne, trey songz, and Birdman

Don't Forget To Tune In Sept.15!

The Ultimate Fighter Season 12 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 15 on Spike @10P/9c

For more information on the show, go to www.spike.com

To see part 1 of this series click here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/444349-tuf-season-12-team-gsp-vs-team-koscheck-the-dirty-dozen-pt1

To see part 2 of this series click here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/450267-the-ultimate-fighter-season-12-the-dirty-dozen-part-ii#page/1

Follow Will Anderson on Twitter

Will Anderson is growing into a juggernaut on the MMA media scene. While his articles are both thought provoking and entertaining, it's his drive to share his passion of the sport with others by creating a platform for other aspiring writers to display their work. 

Will is a contributor to both RealSportsNet.com and Bleacher Report; in addition, he has also made guest appearances on The Sprawl N Brawl internet radio show ( http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sprawlnbrawl ), as well as creating the fast growing facebook group: The MMA Writer's Block. 

On top of all that, he still finds time to study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Eduardo Santos of Lotus Club. 

To keep up with this rising star, follow him on Twitter: 

@CageCrusader