It looks like the UFC is trying to spice things up not only on the “Ultimate Fighter” realty show but also in their flyweight division. In a statement released today the organization announced that the upcoming season of the long running reality series will feature flyweight fighters and the winner will be awarding a title opportunity.
A total of 16 flyweights will compete on season 24 of reality show. The winner will receive their title shot on the show’s finale sometime in December. Try outs for this season will be held on April 25 in Las Vegas and filming is expected to begin sometime in June with the season premiering on August 31st.
This will be the third time that a season of “TUF” will culminate in a title shot for the winner. Season four saw winner Matt Serra earn a title shot at welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and season 20 was for the right to be called the first ever UFC women’s strawweight champion. That season was one by former Invicta FC champion Carla Esparza.
The announcement will breath some fresh air into the reality series. Recently the UFC has tried a number of way to spice things up and gain more viewers. They tried going with a live format, adding women contestants, and even tried a camp versus camp season. All have come with mixed reviews.
This may also bring some much-needed attention to the flyweight division. This is a division that has been thoroughly dominated by one man, Demetrious Johnson. Despite being considered by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, the flyweight champion has yet to develop a following amongst hardcore and casual MMA fans. His reign of dominance has been nothing short of historical but it has also left the UFC scrambling for legitimate contenders.
Johnson (23-2) is set to defend his gold against Henry Cejudo (10-0) in the co-main event at UFC 197 on April 23.