The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s long running reality series will be entering its 20th season in September.
Season 20 of TUF will help to introduce the Women’s Strawweight Division to UFC fans. Strawweight fights are contested at 115 lbs.
Season 20 of TUF will feature the first all female cast in the history of the nine year franchise. Also for the first time ever the cast will be competing for a UFC title in the finale. The winner of the Ultimate Fighter will be crowned as the inaugural Women’s UFC Strawweight Champion.
According to MMAfighting.com, fighter pay on the show has been upgraded as well. The women will receive $8,000 to show for their fight and $8,000 to win. The only exception is current Invicta Champion Carla Esparza, who will receive $10,000 to show and $10,000 to win.
The coaches have also been announced for season 20 of TUF. Current UFC Lightweight Champion, Anthony Pettis, will be coaching opposite of UFC Lightweight Contender Gilbert Melendez. Anthony Pettis will be defending his title against Gilbert Melendez towards the end of the year.
Women’s fighting is still fairly new to the UFC. The women’s 135 lbs division just debuted in the UFC last year. The first women’s fight in the UFC was contested between Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche on February 23, 2013. The fight saw Ronda Rousey become the UFC’s first women’s champion at 135 lbs.
UFC fans can catch all the action of The Ultimate Fighter on Fox Sports 1 in September.
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