Notable details for TUF Live
-The fighters are already aware of their matchups for Friday’s opener (however, they won’t be released publicly). The matchups also…
-The fighters are already aware of their matchups for Friday’s opener (however, they won’t be released publicly). The matchups also will be announced for the following week’s episode so UFC officials have a full week to publicize the fight and the fighter
-Although officials initially suggested that fans may get to vote to determine the matchups, that no longer will be the case, White said.
-Despite the live fights, there will be no fight broadcasters. UFC commentator Jon Anik will serve as a weekly host with White and will introduce that week’s episode. However, once it’s fight time, the sounds of the gym and the fight will take over the show while void of commentary.
-White will be involved in every episode. That means for UFC on FUEL TV 2 in Sweden, he’ll be in Las Vegas for “TUF: Live” on Friday, hop on a jet that night, land in Stockholm, watch the fights, and then be back on the plane to Vegas five hours later.
-The fighters will, in fact, be cut off from the outside world for 13 weeks rather than the usual six. He said the usual restrictions (no phones, computers, personal calls, outside trips, etc.) will remain in place.
-The show editing will now be done on site. The editing of the show used to be outsourced, but with the need to package the show quickly and include footage that’s sometimes just hours old, everything has moved to Las Vegas.
-The fighters will have no access to social media while on the show. While it would have marketing/promotional benefits, White convinced fellow co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta to nix any of the fighters’ Twitter and Facebook use this season. However, White said he’ll evaluate this season and may reconsider it for “TUF: Live 2.”