The Ultimate Fighter, UFC’s long-standing reality show, is returning for its 33rd season with remote casting for welterweight and flyweight divisions from November 4 to December 18, while coaches and premiere dates remain undecided.
The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC’s iconic reality show, is back for its 33rd season. Exciting times ahead!
In a Friday press release, officials revealed that casting for TUF 33 kicks off from Nov. 4 to Dec. 18. They’re on the hunt for welterweight and flyweight fighters. Coaches? Still a mystery! Premiere date? TBD.
Here’s an interesting twist: “casting for TUF 33 will be remote with no physical tryouts.” Decisions expected by January. So much anticipation!
Last season, flyweight sensations Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko led teams of middleweights and featherweights. Ryan Loder snagged the middleweight crown, while Mairon Santos claimed victory at 145 pounds.
Grasso and Shevchenko clashed again in a trilogy bout at UFC 306 this September. Grasso’s flyweight title was on the line, but Shevchenko emerged victorious by unanimous decision, reclaiming her status as a two-time UFC champion.
Since its debut in 2005, TUF has been a game-changer for the UFC. Dana White often credits it with boosting interest in the promotion—especially that unforgettable TUF 1 finale between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. A fight for the ages!
The show’s alumni list reads like a who’s who of MMA: Nate Diaz, Michael Bisping, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Robert Whittaker, Carla Esparza, Rose Namajunas, Julianna Peña… the list goes on! Yet, it’s worth noting that Dana White’s Contender Series has started to steal some of its thunder as a platform for showcasing prospects.