D. Johnson (photo) is the current flyweight champion. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The 24th edition of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter in the United States will have a different format than usual. The winner of the program in the flyweight category will not only become champion of the season, but will also have the chance to compete for the UFC belt in the category.
In total, 16 fighters in the 57 kg category will be present on the program. The fighters will be chosen through selections that will begin at the end of the month, in Las Vegas (USA). The season will begin recording in June, with the first episode airing at the end of August and the decision taking place in December.
Despite the different format, it is not the first time that TUF has given its fighters such an opportunity. The fourth season of the program, in 2006, had the full participation of veteran fighters, who had already been in the UFC but were subsequently fired. The welterweight and middleweight winners would have a chance to fight for the title.
In the up to 77 kg category, Matt Serra surprised and knocked out Georges St Pierre even in the first round, becoming champion in what is still considered one of the biggest upsets in the history of MMA. Among the middleweights, Travis Lutter did not make weight and the fight with Anderson Silva It wasn’t worth the title. In the duel, the Brazilian won by submission in the second round.
The UFC flyweight belt currently belongs to Demetrious Johnson, considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters today. At UFC 197, the champion will put his title on the line against the undefeated Henry Cejudo.
