Ep 24. The One With The Ultimate Fighting Champion
- TV-NR
- May 8, 1997
- 22 min
-
8.0 (5,151)
In Friends season 3 episode 24, titled The One With The Ultimate Fighting Champion, the gang finds themselves at odds with each other over their opinions on violence, specifically in the form of ultimate fighting.
Joey, who is a huge fan of ultimate fighting, decides to invite his idol and reigning champion, Tank Abbott, to his apartment to watch the latest championship match on pay-per-view. However, none of the other friends are thrilled about the idea, with Chandler and Ross expressing their disbelief that anyone could enjoy such a violent sport.
Throughout the episode, tension builds between Joey and the rest of the group as they struggle to reconcile their conflicting views on violence. Rachel attempts to convince Joey that ultimate fighting is a barbaric and dangerous activity, while Monica tries to remain neutral on the subject.
Meanwhile, Phoebe and her new boyfriend, who happens to be a police officer, start to bond over their shared love of ultimate fighting. However, their relationship is put to the test when they witness an actual violent altercation on the street, forcing them to question their beliefs about justified violence.
As the night wears on, things come to a head when Joey's hero, Tank Abbott, arrives at the apartment and his presence only serves to aggravate the already tense situation. The group argues passionately about the pros and cons of ultimate fighting, with each person defending their own position.
In the end, the group reaches a tentative understanding, with each member agreeing to respect each other's opinions on the subject. The episode ends with Joey and Chandler playfully reenacting the ultimate fighting match they watched on pay-per-view earlier, while Ross and Rachel look on in horror.
Overall, The One With The Ultimate Fighting Champion is a thought-provoking episode that explores the complex issue of violence and its place in modern society. With its humor and heart, it is a standout installment in the hit sitcom's third season.
