"The Ultimate Fighter 12" open tryouts held April 1 for lightweights, light heavyweights
Although "The Ultimate Fighter 11" doesn't debut for another three weeks, producers are already on the hunt for cast members for the upcoming 12th season.
Spike TV officials today announced they'll host an open tryout on April 1 for lightweight (155-pound) and light-heavyweight (205-pound) fighters.
The tryouts are being held in conjunction with UFC Fight Night 21 and take place at the Omni Charlotte Hotel's grand ballroom in Charlotte, N.C.
The tryouts take place the day after UFC Fight Night 21, which is hosted by Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte. UFC president Dana White, executive producer Craig Piligian, producer Jamie Campione and Spike TV executive Brian J. Diamond will be on hand to judge the competitors. The tryouts also take place the day after the "TUF 11" debut, which features middleweight fighters.
"TUF 12" is slated to debut in September on Spike TV.
The tryouts aren't mandatory – fighters can apply via the traditional application/highlights-tape process at UFC.com – but have proven successful for many past fighters.
All fighters applying and trying out for the show must have at least three professional fights and be at least 21 years of age. Fighters will grapple and hit pads and mitts, and interview with show producers during the tryouts.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. ET, and tryouts begin at 10 a.m. ET. Fighters must arrive by 9 a.m. ET in appropriate workout wear.
"TUF," which debuted in 2005 and quickly became a driving force for the UFC's move into the mainstream, had launched the careers of more than 100 UFC fighters and has produced past champions such as Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin and Matt Serra. The show hasn't featured light heavyweights since the eighth season and lightweights since the ninth season. Both were also featured in the eighth season.
Source: http://mmajunkie.com/news/18247/the-ult ... eights.mma