Philippines now likely to host first international “TUF,” UFC eyeing future world grand prix

UFC president Dana White is still hanging "TUF" with the Philippines, but his promotion is not quite there in mounting its first international version of the reality show.


"We're like one piece away from finishing the thing," White told reporters following UFC 130, which took place this past Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.


That piece, however, could be the start of a much more ambitious drive to create a world grand prix of international competitors on "The Ultimate Fighter," he added.


White is a huge fan of the grand prix tournaments of the now-defunct PRIDE, which the UFC purchased in 2007, and he's taken quite a liking to soccer since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, even going so far as to issue a joking ban to the vuvuzelas that filled South African arenas to the annoyance of many.


An international "TUF" tournament could not only crown the best up-and-comer from beyond U.S. borders, but perhaps heighten interest from fans that want to cheer on their respective countries.


"It's like the World Cup of 'TUF,'" White said. "Dude, if we can nail that one, that's my dream."


A date has yet to be locked down for the Philippines-based season of the reality show. White has previously pointed to Canada and the Middle East as two front runners for international locales, but the Southeast Asian country took center stage this past February.


Back in 2008, UFC officials announced plans to host an event in the Philippines in mid-2009, and an open workout with Chuck Liddell drew more than 4,000 fans. Brandon Vera, whose father is Filipino, also held one of his own that drew 10,000 attendees.


The plans for an event in the country, which has a population of approximately 92 million, ultimately were scrapped due to the global financial crisis.


"TUF," which launched in 2005 on Spike TV, ends its 13th season this Saturday with The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale in Las Vegas.


Spike TV is unlikely to air the international editions of the reality show, but White said episodes could be hosted online.

"Technology is our friend," he said. "It keeps getting better and better."


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