‘TUF 16’ coaches, past winner Chiesa defend viability of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’

The UFC’s long-running reality competition series, “The Ultimate Fighter,” is widely credited for the promotion’s recent popularity boom

But with the 16th U.S. edition of the series set to debut Friday on FX, some pundits have expressed doubt in rega…

The UFC’s long-running reality competition series, “The Ultimate Fighter,” is widely credited for the promotion’s recent popularity boom

But with the 16th U.S. edition of the series set to debut Friday on FX, some pundits have expressed doubt in regards to the remaining viability of the show and its ability to find quality prospects and expose the sport to new eyes.

To hear “The Ultimate Fighter 15” winner Mike Chiesa tell it, the importance of the show to the sport’s future remains at an all-time high.