“The Ultimate Fighter” (TUF) Season 3, which aired in 2006, was a pivotal installment in the UFC’s reality television series.
This season featured a heated rivalry between coaches Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock, adding significant drama and anticipation.
The cast comprised a mix of middleweight and light heavyweight fighters, many of whom have since made notable contributions to the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Here’s an updated look at where each cast member is now, as well as a TUF Season 3 highlights video:
TUF Season 3 Middleweights
Kendall Grove
Grove emerged as the middleweight winner of TUF Season 3. Following his victory, he competed in the UFC until 2011, achieving notable wins over fighters like Alan Belcher and Evan Tanner.
After departing from the UFC, Grove continued his career in other promotions, including Bellator MMA.
He has remained active in the MMA community, both as a fighter and coach.
Ed Herman
A finalist in the middleweight division, Herman secured a UFC contract despite his loss to Grove in the finale.
He has enjoyed a lengthy tenure in the UFC, competing in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
Known for his resilience and grappling skills, Herman has become a respected veteran in the sport.
Kalib Starnes
Starnes had a brief stint in the UFC, with his most memorable fight being a controversial bout against Nate Quarry in 2008.
After parting ways with the UFC, he continued to compete in various regional promotions across Canada.
Starnes has also been involved in coaching and training upcoming fighters.
Rory Singer
Post-TUF, Singer fought in the UFC, securing a notable victory over Ross Pointon.
After leaving the UFC, he retired from professional competition and co-founded a gym in Georgia, where he focuses on coaching and mentoring aspiring fighters.
Solomon Hutcherson
Hutcherson continued his MMA career in regional circuits after his time on TUF.
He has since retired from active competition and has maintained a low profile, with limited public information about his current endeavors.
Ross Pointon
Hailing from England, Pointon competed in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions during his MMA career.
After TUF, he fought in various international promotions before retiring.
Pointon has remained involved in the combat sports community in the UK.
Danny Abbadi
Abbadi had a brief UFC career following TUF Season 3.
After departing from the organization, he continued to compete in regional promotions.
He has since transitioned into coaching and remains active in the MMA community.
Mike Stine
Stine’s professional MMA career was short-lived, with his appearance on TUF being his most notable exposure.
He has since stepped away from the sport, and there is limited public information regarding his current activities.
TUF Season 3 Light Heavyweights
Michael Bisping
Bisping won the light heavyweight division of TUF Season 3 and went on to have a storied UFC career.
He became the UFC Middleweight Champion in 2016 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019.
Post-retirement, Bisping has found success as a commentator, analyst, and actor.
Matt Hamill
Hamill, notable for being the first deaf fighter in the UFC, had a commendable career, including a controversial win over Jon Jones.
He retired from professional competition and has been involved in motivational speaking and advocacy within the deaf community.
Jesse Forbes
Forbes returned to the UFC for a brief period after his initial stint on TUF.
He later competed in various regional promotions before retiring.
Forbes has since focused on coaching and training fighters in Arizona.
Josh Haynes
After reaching the finals in the light heavyweight division, Haynes continued to fight professionally in various promotions.
He eventually retired and pursued a career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer.
Tait Fletcher
Fletcher transitioned from MMA to a successful career in Hollywood as a stuntman and actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows.
He is also a co-owner of a popular coffee company and remains active in the fitness community.
Mike Nickels
Nickels competed in the UFC and other promotions post-TUF.
He has since focused on his career as a tattoo artist and continues to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning high-level accolades in the sport.
Noah Inhofer
Inhofer voluntarily left TUF Season 3 due to personal reasons.
He did not pursue a notable professional MMA career afterward, and there is limited public information about his current endeavors.
Kristian Rothaermel
Rothaermel’s professional MMA career was brief, with limited activity following his appearance on TUF.
He has maintained a low profile since, with little public information available.
The cast of TUF Season 3 has ventured into diverse paths since their time on the show, contributing to the MMA community and beyond in various capacities.
