Seven ways of looking at the TUF 13 finale

I. No one has less to gain and more to lose on Saturday night than Anthony Pettis. Theoretically, he earned a UFC lightweight title shot when he beat Ben Henderson. Then circumstances conspired against him in almost comically unfortunate fashion, one after another, and now he’ll probably have to win two more fights before getting a crack at the gold.

II. On the other hand, it’s an ideal situation for Guida. Talent-wise, he’s not among the best in the division. But talent is only part of the equation in this business, and Guida knows it. His work ethic is exemplary. His toughness is unquestionable.

III. What does it mean to be “The Ultimate Fighter” in today’s UFC? If you look back at recent winners and finalists from the UFC’s long-running reality show, you quickly find that some Spike TV exposure and a cut-glass trophy does not an MMA superstar make.

IV. No one seems quite sure what to expect out of Tim Credeur and Ed Herman, and that’s kind of fun. You take two hard-nosed guys who have been out of action for nearly two years – one with a knee injury and the other with a brain…thing – put them up against each other in a fight both really need to win, and there’s no telling what will happen. Fight of the Night?

V. Kyle Kingsbury has earned a step up in competition, but he’s still not getting it. No disrespect to Fabio Maldonado, who seems like a tough dude, but Kingsbury has won three straight in the UFC.

VI. And now that I’m thinking about it, where’s the love for Scott Jorgensen? Back in December he challenged for Dominick Cruz’s bantamweight title. He lost a one-sided decision, sure, but how do you go from a title shot to an unaired prelim fight on a TUF Finale card with one defeat?

VII. Okay, I admit it: I’ve been spoiled by all those Facebook prelim fights. Now when I look at a card that features five TV fights and six genuine dark matches, I actually feel a little short-changed.

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