UFC President says deal to do TUF: Brazil came together quickly; Canada and Philippines still on the radar
LAS VEGAS — The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil is a “done deal.”
After Vitor Belfort proclamated that the UFC would become more popular than soccer and the tremendous success of UFC 134 in Rio de Janeiro this past August, UFC President Dana White announced yesterday that Brazil will be the first country to have an international edition of The Ultimate Fighter.
The idea of taking the UFC’s reality TV program global has been discussed for the last couple of years, with the Philippines routinely mentioned as the first country to host such a program. Following the opening of the UFC Canada offices in Toronto, Ontario last year, the potential to do a similar program north of the border moved to the top of the list as well. Though both remain very real possibilities, White said things in Brazil just came together quicker.
“This one just got done really fast,” admitted White, who also explained that the UFC is actively working to schedule a return to Brazil for next year, and will look to hold multiple events their in the future. “”It’s a huge market for us. It’s incredible down there. We’re going to do as many as we possibly can.”
A host city for TUF: Brazil has yet to be determined. While the shows will air in Brazil, White said the hopes the host country will not be the only country capable of watching the all-Brazilian edition of The Ultimate Fighter.
“What we’re talking about is the other ones that air in other countries, we’re trying to figure out how we can air them on FUEL TV,” White said. “We’ll probably air them on FUEL TV. If you’re a UFC fan, you want FUEL TV. FUEL TV is going to be loaded with all kinds of incredible UFC programming, including live fights and live fights from other countries.”
FUEL TV is one of the networks included in the UFC’s broadcast partnership with FOX.
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