Ahead of the announcement of the UFC’s landmark television deal with Fox and its networks, Spike said Thursday the upcoming 14th season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series will be the last to be broadcast by the soon-to-be former partner of the promotion.

“The Ultimate Fighter season 14 in September will be our last,” Spike said Thursday via press release.  ”We are increasing our commitment to distinctive, original series that we own such as Auction Hunters and Bar Rescue which are delivering on our goal to reach a broader audience.  Our 6-year partnership with the UFC has been incredibly beneficial in building both our brands, and we wish them all the best in the future.”

The chances are high that the UFC never would have reached its lofty heights so quiclky without the help of Spike, which was the vehicle for the ground-breaking first season of TUF.  When Forrest Griffin beat Stephan Bonnar in their epic slugfest in the TUF 1 finale, the Zuffa-owned company’s fortunes took a dramatic upswing.  After buying the company, the UFC property drew the Fertitta brothers and UFC president Dana White well into the tens of millions into the red.

Spike TV has been the home to the majority of UFC Fight Nights, plus other UFC events and shoulder programming for the network.  That programming is expected to move to the Fox-based cable networks.