ESPN Mixed Martial Arts Blog

Posted by Jake Rossen

Nearing the end of our relentless investigation into the sordid world of DVD special features:

4. The Backstage Battles (UFC 88, 2008)

I can't say exactly when it happened, but there was a point when UFC DVDs went from hosting generic snoozer featurettes to providing some truly compelling, highly polished glimpses into the enterprise's production machine. UFC 88 might be the best of the lot, with a 30-minute mini doc that makes clever use of the split screen to depict the constant motion of its producers: As one fighter crumbles to the mat, another is being queued up; stuffed into a truck, directors conduct the camera eyes like a symphony; Joe Rogan primes for a manic episode by downing a 5-Hour Energy Shot.

There are some fans who might consider UFC employment a dream occupation. Be careful what you wish for: From all appearances, the last thing you're able to do when you're part of the engine is stop to watch a fight.

3. "Ultimate" Rejects (Ultimate Fighter 3, 2006)

I get it: Self-confidence is a prerequisite for anyone willing to get punched in the mouth for a living. But there's an incredibly blurry line between ego and outright delusion.

"The Ultimate Fighter" reality show hopefuls send in tapes by the case, and select footage from the season collections illustrate why most of them don't get a callback. One prospect mentions that he already has had eight surgeries (I doubt being brittle is a selling point); someone's idea of athletic prowess is slowly making his way up the mild incline of a hill; another introduces the viewer to his turkey. His turkey's name is Fred.

And then there's Matt Horwich, who wants a contract so that he can buy a ranch and "grow some organic food."

It's this kind of thing that makes me believe people in television are, contrary to belief, significantly underpaid.