UFC president Dana White is still hanging "TUF" with the Philippines, but his promotion is not quite there in mounting its first international version of the reality show.

"We're like one piece away from finishing the thing," White told reporters following UFC 130, which took place this past Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

That piece, however, could be the start of a much more ambitious drive to create a world grand prix of international competitors on "The Ultimate Fighter," he added.

White is a huge fan of the grand prix tournaments of the now-defunct PRIDE, which the UFC purchased in 2007, and he's taken quite a liking to soccer since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, even going so far as to issue a joking ban to the vuvuzelas that filled South African arenas to the annoyance of many.

An international "TUF" tournament could not only crown the best up-and-comer from beyond U.S. borders, but perhaps heighten interest from fans that want to cheer on their respective countries.

"It's like the World Cup of 'TUF,'" White said. "Dude, if we can nail that one, that's my dream."

A date has yet to be locked down for the Philippines-based season of the reality show. White has previously pointed to Canada and the Middle East as two front runners for international locales, but the Southest Asian country took center stage this past February.

Back in 2008, UFC officials announced plans to host an event in the Philippines in mid-2009, and an open workout with Chuck Liddell drew more than 4,000 fans. Brandon Vera, whose father is Filipino, also held one of his own that drew 10,000 attendees.

The plans for an event in the country, which has a population of approximately 92 million, ultimately were scrapped due to the global financial crisis.

"TUF," which launched in 2005 on Spike TV, ends its 13th season this Saturday with The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale in Las Vegas.

Spike TV is unlikely to air the international editions of the reality show, but White said episodes could be hosted online.

"Technology is our friend," he said. "It keeps getting better and better."

Source: http://mmajunkie.com/news/23800/philippines-now-likely-to-host-first-international-tuf-ufc-eyeing-future-world-grand-prix.mma

Am I high lol? Did I just read that. It sounds so... awesome. A TUF World Grand Prix, thats a really reallly nice idea! Dana never stops surprising me.

how about ufc broadcast in 3D... or virtual blowjobs from arianny and brittney?
thats technology i can get behind... steaming videos isnt exactly something new...

well... around here I havnt seen any steaming videos yet, but Im sure it will come soon

damn... streaming obviously...
still waiting for VRBJ's though...

good plans, Asians are waaaay cooler than stupid american idiot assholes anyways

what if they cant speak english...?
fuck watching a whole series in subtitles...

I'm sure it will happen down the line but really the MMA market is dominated by Americans, Brazilians and some Europeans. I think the level of talent has to improve in order to fulfil the dream of world GP. In theory it does sound like a good idea.

they can do two seasons with a combined finale though,
use america vs another country which you change every season.
there are good fighters in allot of countries that we just don't know about,
plus are you guys that impressed with the talent levels on recen't tuff seasons?

yeah thats a good idea, and yes I have been impressed with how the medium overall level of the fighters is better now then in previous seasons. At the same time Im not that impressed byt the progress the fighters have in general after last seasons of TUF compared to earlier. I think the overall level has gone up a lot everywhere in UFC and in other organisations.