The Ultimate Fighter reality TV series has been a run away success in the States and now Zuffa are spreading their net to reel in the rest of the world.

On Saturday 2nd December, Zuffa were in London and auditioning for the third installment of their hit TV show.

This time around, at least two UK fighters were guaranteed to make it in to the final stages, where they could potentially earn a lucrative shot at the UFC.

Surprisingly, only thirty-two UK fighters actually made it out for this amazing opportunity to be fast tracked in to the “Big Time”.

The slightly disappointing turnout was due to many of the UK's big big name Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight fighters being otherwise engaged at Cage Rage 14: Punishment.

At London’s Colombo Gym however it was all about The Ultimate Fighter.

Dana White, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar watched on as the contestants were asked to demonstrate their grappling and striking skills before proving their personality and marketability in the interview tests.

Among the top level fighters who did make it to the auditions were Gracie Barra Birmingham’s resident BJJ Blackbelt Braulio Estima, UKMMAC Champion James Evans Nicholle and multiple UK MMA Champion Matt Ewin.

The heats were tough, with many of the contestants being eliminated very early on.

Making the final cut and now jetting off to Las Vegas for the next stage are Cage Warriors Light-Heavyweight Champion Michael Bisping, his team mate Paul Kelly, Stoke’s Gladiator Ross Pointon, Team Extreme’s Charlie Francis, and London Shootfighter’s Michael Johnson.

Also in the world of Reality TV:

On the same day, Cage Rage officially unveiled the first eight contestants for their version of The Ultimate Fighter, "Rough House".

They are as follows:

Ross Mason

Sol Gilbert

Paul Jenkins

Paul Daley

Jess Liaudin

Suley Mahmoud

Jeremy Bailey

Tony Thompson