Barnett, Nelson to lead new TUF-like show, then fight at UFN 78

The UFC was once all pay per view, but as it grew, multiple tiers of shows developed: PPV, FOX, Fight Night. The growth was initiated by the success of The Ultimate Fighter reality television series. Now TUF tiers too appear to be emerging.

On Thursday at the Ultimate Media Day session for UFC Fight Night 66, Executive Vice President and General Manager of UFC Asia Ken Berger announced a new reality series. ROAD TO UFC: JAPAN with feature just eight male fighters, as they fight for a UFC contract. The fighters will not live together, but will be training together both in Japan and in Las Vegas. Filming begins this month.

UFC heavyweights #8 ranked Josh Barnett and #13 Roy Nelson will serve as opposing coaches, and will meet in the finals at UFC Fight Night Japan on 27 September at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Given the time difference, UFC Fight Night 78 will air on 26 September in the USA and Canada.

Barnett has a deep understanding of the combat sports audience in Japan, after competing many times in Japan as an MMA fighter, pro wrestling extensively there, and managing fighters. The show will undoubtedly offer him a degree of creative direction.

This will mark the second UFC in Asia this year, and the fourth UFC in Japan to date. Previous shows have been held in Macao, Manila, Singapore, and the league has nearly 20 Asian fighters signed.

We are very happy to be bringing our live event to the Saitama Super Arena once again this year,” said Berger. “There is a rich and diverse MMA talent in Japan and we’re positive that through ROAD TO UFC: JAPAN, we will uncover more UFC prospects. We have recently witnessed the fast power of Kyoji Horiguchi in the Octagon against flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and it really is only a matter of time before we see a champion emerge from Japan.