‘TUF 9′ Will Feature USA vs. U.K. Concept
The UFC revealed several details regarding the upcoming taping for the ninth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” during Wednesday’s live airing of UFC Fight Night 15.
TUF 9 will utilize a USA vs. UK concept and will feature both welterweight and middleweight hopefuls.
The inclusion of welterweights on TUF 9 had been rumored for quite
some time but the revelation that middleweights will be featured as
well came as a surprise. Not only had heavyweight been rumored as the
second weight class but the UFC and Spike TV just featured the 185
pound weight class during the seventh season of TUF.
Fighters looking to earn a shot at competing for the UFC will be
able to apply through UFC.com and SpikeTV.com but will also have the
opportunity to appear at open tryouts on Oct. 20 in London, England and
then on Oct. 27 in Chicago, Ill.
Coaches have not been announced but with
the revelation that a team comprised of British fighters will be on the
show has prompted speculation that Michael Bisping, the light heavyweight winner from the third season of TUF, will be featured as a coach of the UK team.
Traditionally, the coach selections for each season of TUF have been
utilized as a marketing vehicle for a match between the two coaches.
One would think that if Bisping is selected that a high-profile
U.S.-born middleweight would be selected as his adversary. Top
middleweight contenders such as Dan Henderson and Nathan Marquardt might be ideal candidates.
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