Blood sport: it's the "realest" reality show on TV: the fighters of the UFC are among the best conditioned athletes in the world, and their hit show is kicking serious ass on Spike TV

Men's Fitness, Sept, 2005 by Sean Hyson

Those seeking proof need look no further than Keith Jardine, a contender on TUF Season 2. The 29-year-old isn't an actor looking for his big break; rather, he's an undefeated former pro boxer who also has a wrestling and jujitsu background. "I'm always looking to mix it up with hands and feet," he says. "And I get a chip on my shoulder when I fight. Even if I like a guy, I'll make him into something he's not when we fight ... when I see blood, I want more."

It's that drive--that desire to fight and win--that not only has brought guys like Jardine to The Ultimate Fighter, but also has made him and everyone else on the show so compelling to watch and root for. "Fighting is all about exploding in the moment," says Franklin. As much as fighters on the show may try to prepare for a bout, most know that as soon as referee John McCarthy shouts, "Let's get it on," anything can happen.

"It's like in football," says Forrest Griffin. "When you're waiting for the kickoff, you're just a big pile of nerves. But as soon as you catch the ball, you're off and running." Sam Morgan, a 23-year-old welterweight, agrees: "Fear is a part of the game. You should only be worried if the fear's gone, because by then, it's already too late for you. You're already knocked out."

TUF GUY Ultimate Fighter Griffin gives you his best shots

Q: You're a witty guy. Why fight?

A: You know, I've always had a small penis, and I want to compensate for it. [Laughs.] Actually, the defense and tactics instructor at the police academy showed me a UFC video. I said, "This stuff's cool." So I started training for it, got beat up, and I decided I wanted to keep doing it.

Q: You always look like you're having a great time--even when you're in an all-out brawl. Is it really fun for you?

A: Yeah, that's why I do this. A fight's just not that big a deal. It's not like being in battle; it's not having cancer. It's not dealing with crazy people at four in the morning like when I was a police officer.

Q: Do you ever get frightened in there?

A: Here's my strategy: I think about the worst that can happen in a fight. Am I gonna die? Well, death happens in our sport, but it's a rarity. And death is a journey--my bags are packed. I'm ready for that when it comes. I could also be embarrassed in front of lots of people, but that's happened to me before--I never should have done that Internet porn. [Laughs.]

Q: So does anything rattle you?

A: I have a lot of performance anxiety. I want people to like me. I want to do well. I want people to feel like they got their money's worth and were entertained.

Q: You've seen the field for this season's Ultimate Fighter. What do you think?

A: I look at those guys and I know I'm not working that hard. A lot of them are better than me. Keith Jardine is a helluva boxer, and I'm sure he'll end up fighting in the UFC as a light-heavyweight.

Q: There's a softer side to you than most realize. Rumor has it you like Cary Grant movies and reading novels.

A: Yeah, I was raised by my mother, and she brought me up to be sensitive. That's the way I fight--friendly. I don't take any cheap shots, and if you beat me, I'll be the first guy to congratulate you.