The seventh season of "The Ultimate Fighter" is still a month away from its debut on Spike TV, but UFC and Spike TV officials are already preparing for an eighth season that debuts later this year.
The first tryouts for "The Ultimate Fighter 8" will take place Thursday, April 10 in Boston at a site to be determined.
However, a source close to the show today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that producers haven't yet decided on a weight class or any other major details for the show.
"The Ultimate Fighter," the UFC's groundbreaking reality series that helped MMA break into the national mainstream, debuted in 2005 and has launched the careers of dozens of current UFC fighters. Past cast members (including Nate Quarry, Kenny Florian and Travis Lutter) have been granted UFC title shots, and season-four winner Matt Serra became the first-ever "TUF" cast member to win a championship when he defeated Georges St. Pierre at UFC 69 a year ago.
Many Boston-area fighters -- including Florian, Joe Lauzon and Marcus Davis -- have used "The Ultimate Fighter" as a springboard for future success, so it's no surprise that UFC president Dana White (also a Boston native) would head there to recruit talent. (Other dates and locations will likely be announced in the future.)
The UFC has never held an event in Massachusetts, primarily because the state's athletic commission doesn't yet regulate the sport. UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner is working to change that by year's end. Along with New York, the UFC considers Boston potentially one of the sport's most lucrative markets.
For now, "TUF" tryouts will have to suffice.
Back in October, the UFC and Spike TV inked a contract extension that calls for two new seasons of "TUF" in 2008 and 2009, and one new season in 2010 and 2011. "The Ultimate Fighter 7" debuts April 2 after UFC Fight Night 13.
ttt for Hedi to tryouttt !
No way, lol.
ttt
What weight are the guys in THIS season?
Not to sure but it would be good to know for sure.
ttt for Boston; you're my home.
good times indeed!