The Overnights: ‘Ultimate Fighter 10,’ Episode Eight

Jake RossenNov 05, 2009

There were many reasons Joe Frazier was upset at Muhammad Ali, but Ali drawing a cartoon of Frazier and writing “sucks balls” underneath was not among them.

This kind of layered psychological warfare is exclusive to mixed martial arts: specifically, the bored, barely-mature contestants of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Without exception, each episode is like having video surveillance of a community college dorm. Mike Wessel’s caption for opponent Jones -- which earned him a nasty armbar loss -- was among the more tasteful: later, Quinton Jackson’s image took another hit when he grabbed the breast of a male cast member, squealed the nickname “Titties,” and then appeared surprised when the man considered attacking him.

“Rampage” would have been well-advised to use his “A-Team” money to buy every available master of this season, burn them, and then consider a PR campaign that doesn’t end with apologies. Wessel’s sentiment applies, but only for describing Jackson’s attitude.