Lodi's Tim McKenzie, right, is one of 40 finalists for the reality TV series "The Ultimate Fighter," scheduled to debut in January on Spike TV. (News-Sentinel file photo)

Lodian a finalist for reality series 'The Ultimate Fighter'

Tim McKenzie's ultimate goal is to join the World Wrestling Federation.

But, if the Lodi tough guy is to eventually be a pretend wrestler, he'll have to endure some genuine pain along the way. And he might have a national audience to cheer or sneer his "Ultimate" undertaking.

McKenzie, a Mixed Martial Arts fighter with a 9-1 record, was recently notified that he is a finalist for a reality television series that will debut in January.

He was among 40 aspiring fighters invited to a casting call this weekend in Las Vegas, of which 16 will be selected to star in "The Ultimate Fighter."

Spike TV and The Ultimate Fighting Championship have created a partnership to develop the one-hour, 13-part series that will provide an inside look at the process to locate, develop and train fighters.

Craig Piligian of Pilgrim Films and Television (Survivor) is the show's creator and producer.

The series will be shot at the UFC training center in Las Vegas beginning in September. The fighters will live and train together and the last four survivors will get UFC contracts.

"I think it's going to be fun and it should open up some doors," said McKenzie, who will leave for Las Vegas this weekend and expects to be gone for about a week.

"This is an opportunity to get to the UFC and eventually make it to the WWF," added McKenzie, who is a senior majoring in communications at University of the Pacific.

McKenzie, who earned the nickname "The Wrecking Machine" for his ruthless and relentless style in the ring, won his first nine MMA fights (MMA fighting combines the striking and grappling elements of marital arts).

He suffered his first defeat at World Extreme Cagefighting X in May at The Palace Casino in Lemoore.

After pummeling Alex "The Brazilian Killer" Stiebling with his fist in the first of three scheduled five-minute rounds, McKenzie made a mistake against the UFC and Pride fight veteran in the second round.

McKenzie, who fought stand-up most of the match, says a sloppy punch got him in trouble.

Stiebling capitalized, putting the 6-foot-2, 200-pound McKenzie in a arm triangle choke hold and forcing him to tap out.

Despite suffering his first loss, McKenzie gained valuable exposure and was contacted about a possible spot on a future UFC card.

McKenzie has also garnered attention for his patriotic hairstyle. He usually sports a red, white and blue mohawk for his fights, which should serve him well in auditioning.

"They want to see personality, showmanship," McKenzie said, "They want to build a star."

Although, McKenzie realizes that shining in the UFC comes with the risk of having his lights knocked out.

"I just want to make enough money to retire and get a house or pursue a pro wrestling career," he said before his last fight.

Fake wrestling is his genuine goal. It's a less painful alternative, too.