TUF 11, episode 1 recap
Keeping things fresh and new is tough for any reality show, especially when you reach the eleventh season, but the…
Keeping things fresh and new is tough for any reality show, especially when you reach the eleventh season, but the UFC has come up with a new idea for The Ultimate Fighter that is showcased in this season’s premier episode.
With 28 competitors working to get into the house by fighting it out amongst each other, the 14 winners are left with a peculiar situation on how the tournament will break down with an odd number of fighters left over.
As UFC president Dana White explained in the first episode of the new season, they will employ a new wildcard format this season. The way it works is after the 14 winners from the preliminary round make it into the house, they will each fight and narrow the field to seven. Out of the seven fighters that lost their first round fight, the coaches will get together and select the two best fighters of that group.
The two fighters who were originally eliminated will fight each other with the winner earning a re-birth into the quarterfinal round of the tournament.
Making it into the house in the first place is where this all begins, and Dana White had a simply stated message for all the fighters who were about to put on their gloves and step in the UFC Octagon.
“Go in there and give it everything you’ve got,” said White. “Do not leave it in the hands of the judges or referees; don’t let that happen to you tomorrow, don’t do it.”
The fighters were fired up and the first round of action began for the middleweight cast.