In January of 2005, Spike TV aired the first episode of a new reality show that was destined to change the face of the UFC forever.

The show, of course, was The Ultimate Fighter (or simply TUF to its legions of fans), and its overwhelming success helped transform the UFC brand into a household name. 

The idea was simple, but brilliant: take a group of aspiring fighters, team them up together in a house under the tutelage of two veteran coaches, and have them compete against one another for a coveted contract with the biggest name in the sport. Along the way, viewers got to know the contestants, and to identify with their hopes, their struggles, and their fears. It opened, for the first time, a window into the lives of the men who were out there sacrificing, and bleeding, for a single dream: the chance to fight for the UFC, and maybe, one day, to wear the belt of a champion.

Eleven seasons later, that original formula hasn't changed very much, and it's still working.

With two new finalists now preparing to fight for entry into the exclusive group of TUF champions, it seems appropriate to take a look back at past winners and see what they have accomplished during their time with the UFC.

First, the numbers. 

Ten seasons of TUF have seen 16 men crowned as victors: three lightweights, four welterweights, four middleweights, three light-heavyweights, and two heavyweights. They have combined for 117 fights in the UFC since their time on the show, with 81 wins, 35 losses, and one draw. They have contested for the title on seven occasions, and have worn the belt on three. All but one remain active with the UFC.

But numbers only tell part of the story. To really get a sense of what they have accomplished, you have to take a look at the men themselves.

Diego Sanchez (21-4, 10-4 UFC). Sanchez became the first winner in the history of the show when he won the inaugural season's middleweight slot with a TKO of Kenny Florian. Sanchez, who dropped down to welterweight after his win over Florian, has seen more action inside the Octagon, with 14 fights, than any other TUF champ. After going a red-hot 6-0 to start his run in the UFC, Sanchez seemed on course for a welterweight title shot before being derailed by Josh Koscheck at UFC 69. "The Nightmare" later made a brief appearance in the lightweight division, where he finally got his chance to fight for a title, suffering a bloody loss to BJ Penn at UFC 107.  Following his defeat to Penn, Sanchez moved back up to welterweight, losing the first fight of his return to undefeated John Hathaway at UFC 114.

Forrest Griffin (17-6, 8-4 UFC). Griffin followed Sanchez as the second victor on the first season of TUF, taking the light-heavyweight slot with a thrilling decision win over Stephan Bonnar. It was one of the most epic battles in the history of the UFC, voted in at number one in a countdown of the UFC's 100 greatest fights, and credited by UFC president Dana White with launching the organization into mainstream popularity. Griffin's self-depreciating humor, big grin, and tireless work ethic made him an instant favorite with the fans, and at UFC 86 he finally realized his dream when he defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to win the light-heavyweight title. Although Griffin would lose the belt in his first title defense to fellow TUF champ Rashad Evans, his achievement still stands as...