The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz

Episodes

In the first episode, Dana White welcomed 28 fighters to the training facility and announced that only 14 would enter the house. A new wildcard format was introduced: after the first round, two eliminated fighters would be chosen to fight for a quarter-final spot. Elimination bouts were two rounds, with a third if needed. Results included Jamie Yager knocking out Ben Stark in 26 seconds, Brad Tavares stopping Jordan Smith in 37 seconds, and Kris McCray defeating Cleburn Walker via TKO due to shoulder injury at 15 seconds.

James Hammortree won when Norman Paraisy retired after the first round. Nick Ring stopped Woody Weatherby with punches at 2:42 of the first. Kyle Noke beat Warren Thompson by unanimous decision after two rounds. Court McGee outpointed Seth Baczynski over three rounds.

Chris Camozzi defeated Victor O'Donnell by unanimous decision. Kyacey Uscola knocked out Brent Cooper in 25 seconds. Joseph Henle submitted Costas Philippou with an armbar at 2:17 of the second. Rich Attonito won a unanimous decision over Lyle Steffens.

Josh Bryant beat Greg Rebello by majority decision. Charles Blanchard stopped Jacen Flynn via TKO at the end of the first. Clayton McKinney defeated Charley Lynch by TKO at 4:07 of the first. In episode two, Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz picked teams after a coin flip; Ortiz chose first, Liddell selected the first fight.

White expressed concern that Liddell's team appeared weaker due to size differences. Team Liddell chose Kyle Noke to fight Clayton McKinney. Tension arose when Jamie Yager, Brad Tavares, and Kris McCray used blowhorns at 3:00 a.m., waking other fighters.

The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale

The finale took place at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 19, 2010, featuring the middleweight finalists. Kenny Florian replaced Joe Rogan as color commentator due to scheduling conflicts. Darren Elkins was scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira, but Oliveira withdrew because of visa issues; the bout was moved to UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko in August 2010.

Reported payout

The Nevada State Athletic Commission reported the following fighter payouts, excluding sponsor money, locker room bonuses, and fight night bonuses. Court McGee earned $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) for defeating Kris McCray ($8,000). Matt Hamill received $52,000 ($26,000 win bonus) for beating Keith Jardine ($55,000). Chris Leben made $70,000 ($35,000 win bonus) over Aaron Simpson ($13,000).

Dennis Siver got $34,000 ($17,000 win bonus) against Spencer Fisher ($26,000). Rich Attonito earned $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) for defeating Jamie Yager ($8,000). John Gunderson received $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) for beating Mark Holst ($6,000). Brad Tavares made $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) over Seth Baczynski ($8,000).

Kyle Noke earned $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) for defeating Josh Bryant ($8,000). Chris Camozzi received $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) against James Hammortree ($8,000). Travis Browne made $12,000 ($6,000 win bonus) for beating James McSweeney ($8,000).