LAS VEGAS – Casting for “The Ultimate Fighter 23” began today in Las Vegas, and UFC matchmakers and the show’s producers evaluated potential applicants from across the nation, as well as some 17 different international markets.
Fighters from across the U.S. were on hand, as well as athletes from Aruba, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, Finland, France, Holland, Korea, Norway, Panama, Peru, Spain, Tonga and the U.K.
UFC officials invited light heavyweight fighters to attend, while women’s bantamweights and strawweights were also on hand for the tryouts. UFC officials have yet to announce which weight class or classes will be used on the show, which begins taping in January and is expected to air in April.
The show’s coaches are expected to be announced in the next week or so.
The day’s 205-pound entrants included a number of legitimate light heavyweights, as well as several natural middleweights looking to move up for the opportunity to compete for a UFC contract, such as RFA middleweight champ Andrew Sanchez (7-2), Jackson-Wink MMA fighter Phillip Hawes (3-0) and undefeated RFA middleweight Khalil Rountree (4-0), among others.
Meanwhile, the women’s divisions saw fighters hoping to reach the national stage for the first time, as well as a few Invicta FC veterans such as Cindy Dandois (6-2) and Raquel Pa'aluhi (5-4).
The day followed a traditional format, as prospective athletes grappled an opponent for two minutes before hitting mitts. Those who made it through both stages then interviewed with production staff before ultimately being selected as cast members.
“TUF” has launched the careers of hundreds of current and past UFC fighters, and cast members such as Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Matt Serra, T.J. Dillashaw and Carla Esparza gave gone on to win titles. A number of international “TUF” editions have also debuted in recent years.
For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
view original article >>