Juliana (photo) and Cláudia were removed from the TUF 20 cast in the USA. Photo: Disclosure/Invicta FC
Brazil will no longer have any representative in the The Ultimate Fighter 20, a reality show that will mark the debut of the women's strawweight division in the UFC and crown the division's first champion. This is because, due to some obstacles encountered since the program was announced, Brazilian women Claudia Gadelha and Juliana Lima will no longer be part of the reality show, as will the North American Paige Vanzant. President Dana White explained the cut of the athletes, who arrived at the organization through an agreement with Invicta FC.
“This edition is more special than any we have ever done, as it is the first edition with only women and the first to crown a champion. Initially we signed eleven Invicta FC athletes, who would automatically enter the house, but the Claudia gadelha I couldn't make the weight to do the whole program, Juliana (Lima) doesn't speak English and Paige Vanzant He is only 20 years old, and you have to be 21 to be part of the reality show. So not only do we need eight more girls for the program, but we also need three replacement girls”, said the director, who also guaranteed the athletes on the organization's roster. “The three have already signed a contract and, as soon as this division stabilizes, they will have the opportunity to show their work in the UFC”, he revealed.
Despite White's justification, Juliana Lima denied the version presented by the president. “I speak English,” she posted on her Twitter before publishing a long text through the Instagram. “I would like to clarify that when I found out that I was out of TUF, 3 months ago, I was really sad, because there I would have more visibility and more chances of sponsorship – in addition to being able to do an exchange and absorb more knowledge with the coaches. and teammates. Today I can say that God does everything perfectly when you trust and have faith in him. I believe that maybe I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure at home and it would be difficult to maintain the weight for 40 days. I'm very happy, because I signed a four-fight contract and I'm part of the biggest MMA event in the world! Thank you all for your love and who knows, maybe I won't participate in TUF in the future, but as a coach!”, she wrote.
The recordings of The Ultimate Fighter 20 begin in July, with eight participants already confirmed: Claudia Esparza, Felice herrig, Joanne calderwood, Rose namajunas, Rebecca Rawlings, Emily Kagan, Alex Chambers and Tecia torres. The edition will have as coaches the lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and former Strikeforce belt holder Gilbert Melendez, who will challenge for the “Showtime” title after the reality show. The program is expected to premiere on North American TV in September.
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