Why does the host decide now who the challenger is going up against on "iron chef america"?

Question

it used to be that they could choose themselves who they go up against, why has it changed?

Answer 1

Maybe when they decided for themselves, it was too easy for the challenger.  Like the challenger could have studied the techniques of a certain chef, then was accepted on the show and challenged them, which would be unfair for the Iron Chef.  But when the host decides who they go up against, then it is fair for everyone.