UFC sets Roy Nelson vs. Josh Barnett for September in Japan, launches new reality show

Roy Nelson

PASAY, Philippines – The UFC today announced it will return to Japan on Sept. 27, when heavyweight contenders Roy Nelson (20-11 MMA, 7-7 UFC) and Josh Barnett (33-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will face off in a five-round main event that serves as the conclusion of a brand new reality series.

Executive Vice President and General Manager of UFC Asia Ken Berger revealed the two will serve as coaches on “Road to UFC: Japan,” a new reality series that will follow eight Japanese MMA hopefuls who will compete with each other to earn a UFC contract.

“We are very happy to be bringing our live event to the Saitama Super Arena once again this year,” Berger stated. “There is a rich and diverse MMA talent in Japan, and we’re positive that through ‘Road to UFC: Japan,’ we will uncover more UFC prospects.”

Berger made the announcement at Thursday’s Ultimate Media Day session in advance of “UFC Fight Night 66: Edgar vs. Faber,” which takes place Saturday at Mall

Filming for the series is set to begin later this month and is expected to take place both in Las Vegas and Japan. Unlike “The Ultimate Fighter,” the athletes are not expected to live together during the duration of filming.

“Road to UFC: Japan” airs in Japan beginning in September.

The Nelson vs. Barnett fight headliners serves as the main event of UFC Fight Night 78. Due to the time difference, the event will air on Sept. 26 in North America.

Broadcast plans were not immediately revealed.

Nelson is currently ranked No. 13 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA heavyweight rankings, while Barnett sits at No. 8.

For more on UFC Fight Night 78, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.