'TUF: China' debuts in November, UFC plans return to Macau, debut in Singapore

The recently discussed Chinese version of “The Ultimate Fighter” is set for a November debut. The series marks the start of a new, multi-year deal which promises “regular live UFC events to Asia,” including sites in Macau and Singapore.

UFC officials today announced the plans, which include a “series of live events at both The Venetian Macau and Marina Bay Sands, the luxury Singapore property of Sands China’s parent company” in 2014.

“We are very excited to announce these new partnerships with Sands China and Liaoning Radio Television,” UFC Executive Vice President and Managing Director of UFC Asia Mark Fischer said. “With Sands China’s support, we will be bringing regular events to the region, as well as the Chinese edition of ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’

“This is an unprecedented initiative for any global sports league in China. With national distribution through Liaoning Satellite TV, we will not only develop the next generation of UFC fighters from China, but also introduce the UFC to millions of new fans across the region.”

“The Ultimate Fighter: China” will be co-produced by the UFC and Liaoning Radio Television. The show airs on Liaoning Satellite TV, which the company said reaches more than 830 million viewers across China. The live finale takes place in March 2014 at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena. North American broadcast plans for the series and the live finale were not revealed.

Interested fighters in the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions can find full details and an application at sports.sohu.com/tuf2013. Applicants must be male, between 18 and 34 years old, have professional MMA experience, speak Mandarin and be of Chinese descent.

Tryouts are scheduled in Beijing on July 21 at the Lido Hotel and in Singapore on July 25 at the Marina Bays Sands. Coaches for the show have not been announced, though Cung Le has been linked to the project. “TUF: China” is expected to air over 12 episodes. As with other versions of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the winner earns a six-figure UFC contract.

The UFC made its Chinese debut in November 2012 with “UFC on FUEL TV 6: Franklin vs. Le,” which also took place at Macau’s CotaiArena.

(Pictured: Mark Fischer)