The UFC have jumped the shark (again) with the new season of The Ultimate Fighter.
UFC officials announced on Tuesday that season 24 of the long-running reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter will feature flyweight fighters, with the winner getting a shot at whoever’s holding that 125 lb belt.
Unlike past seasons, the 16-man tournament on “TUF 24” will conclude during the show’s regular season with the winner getting his title fight at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale in December.
Current flyweight king Demetrious Johnson (23-2-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC) takes on Henry Cejudo (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) in UFC 197’s co-headliner under Jon Jones’ return against Ovince Saint Preux. Whoever wins the co-main will be fighting the TUF 24 winner in their next trip to the Octagon.
Another change this season will be that none of the coaches on the show will be current UFC fighters, instead “world-class coaches, guest coaches, and former opponents of the current champion will be brought in throughout the season to break down film and help the contestants tailor their training to a game plan designed to help them become the next UFC champion,” according to the statement.
Tryouts for the show take place April 25 at Palace Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. All hopefuls must be between the ages of 21 and 34, have at least three pro fights under their belts and must have a winning record. Fighters can apply at UFC.com.
