The Ultimate Fighter 18 had an open tryout on Monday at the Palace Hotel & Casino ballroom in Las Vegas, Nev., with nearly 300 fighters in attendance and for the first time in UFC History women were apart of tryouts.
“I didn’t think this would happen any time within my career, I thought this moment would come right after I retired,” said 11 year veteran Tara LaRosa.
Fifty women participated in grappling, striking, and interview sessions hoping for a chance to be selected as an ultimate fighter. The ΩΩΩr consist of a tournament of male and females fighting for a chance win a UFC contract, The taping of the show begins in May on Fox Sports.
UFC President Dana White said, “It was absolutely a historic day to have women here for the first The Ultimate Fighter tryout.” This is basically the first season of The Ultimate Fighter to me.”
Debuting women for the first time, Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche, will be opposing coaches.
“This is their chance” recent UFC signee said as she attended the tryouts.
“They are always going to be remembered for this season, the girls that make it on the show, for being pioneers. This is going to spark a fire for thousands of girls to start training.”
A full list of cast members will be revealed later in the year and many believe women will continue to prove they make valuable UFC additions and bring in big numbers.