MMA Going Global – UFC’s “Ultimate Fighter” Expanding Abroad; First Destination Likely to be the Philippines

February 16, 2011 – A precursor to big things coming for the international community was mentioned by Dana White yesterday on the UFC conference call when he said the UFC”s ongoing reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, would be going international beginning in 2011.

“This year,” White told MMAWeekly about when an international “Ultimate Fighter” would come about. “I’m pretty sure the first one’s probably going to be the Philippines.”

This should be exciting news to viewers looking to see something new rather than the standard house-gym-house format of what has been a Las Vegas based series.

The Philippines has become a hotbed for MMA over the past few years. In fact, Texas seen first-hand how fervent Filipino fight fans are as Filipino-Texans came out in droves twice last year to watch Manny Pacquiao live in his two appearances at Dallas’ Jerry World, where he decimated Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito. It is no different over the Pacific as the Filipino fans overseas are equally, if not more passionate, about their combat sports.

In a promotional appearance in Manila last year, Georges St. Pierre had a crowd of over 4,000 on-lookers at SM Mall of Asia look on for a simple glove-and-mitt session in the mall promenade. I shudder to think what the environment will be like when the show actually gets there for filming. One thing is for sure, the UFC should be ready as they’ve prepared for this one for some time, with former stars like Chuck Liddell and Filipino-American Brandon Vera visiting as well.

This is just speculation but the UFC is likely to utilize another Filipino fighter currently on their roster, Mark Munoz, in coaching duties or otherwise should he continue on with his momentum. I’m also willing to bet this first international season will be for fighters in the lighter weight-classes with the goal of bolstering the bantamweight (135) and maybe even the flyweight (125) division should they decide to introduce that. There should be no shortage on likely sources as Manila is teeming with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA focused gyms. In the past ten years alone, teams like New Breed, Kamphuis-Fabricio, Atos, Deftac, and many more have grown by leaps and pounds. With on-going growth and discussion amongst fans and practitioners alike, the momentum will only continue swell and likely serve as a breeding ground for future UFC talent.

Indeed the Philippines boasts a thriving MMA-related industry and is home to the URCC, one of Southeast Asia’s premier mixed martial arts promotions. A good sign for potentially impending UFC tryouts is that the URCC roster boasts an impressive array of homegrown talent, especially in the lighter weight classes. My cousin actually fights for the organization currently and mentioned to me how well they’ve treated him and their other fighters when he’s fought for them. In these coming weeks, I’ll call him to set up an interview and get on-site perspective on this latest international UFC development centering around the Philippines.

Until then…

Filipinos… train HARD. Bakbakan na. Harin Ng Suntukan!