TUF: The Smashes Begins Filming in Two Weeks, Will Air on FX in Australia

[BluenoseGreig]

The UFC has announced that the upcoming The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes series, which pits a team of Australian fighters versus a team from the U.K., will premiere this Spring on FX in Australia.
Filming for the show will begin in two weeks time at the TUF house located in Sydney.

Fighters from around the country are currently undergoing tryouts to whittle it down to the final line-up that will compete on behalf of Australia against a contingent from the United Kingdom.

Each team will be coached by a UFC fighter from their country of origin. The coaches will be announced in two weeks.

It has been rumored that fighters will not be required to win a fight to gain entry into the house, which was the case in several past TUF seasons. Eight fighters from each country, four lightweights and four welterweights, will be selected following the tryout and interview process. UFC officials were unable to confirm the details when reached for comment.

Marshall Zelaznik, Managing Director of International Development for the UFC did comment on The Smashes airing on FX in Australia, however.

“We’re excited to be part of the FX family in Australia. When the first series of The Ultimate Fighter debuted in the United States seven years ago, it brought in millions of new fans who tuned in each and every week to watch their favorite fighters. I have no doubt that The Smashes will do the same in Australia. We’re looking forward to working with FX to take the UFC to new heights and new audiences in this country.”

http://www.mmaweekly.com/tuf-the-sma...x-in-australia

[Rich Davie]

I can see where this is or should be going...

An International TUF, where all of the finalists or semi-finalists from the most recent season will compete for some sort of World TUF Champion or some other title.

[BluenoseGreig]

I'm sure I read something from Dana saying that was his plan eventually, to get all the TUF international champions together to find the overall winner.

[Rich Davie]

Yeah... but to actually have any value, it would have to be individuals who all have fought in that same year.

This year we have :

1) The USA

2) Brazil

3) The UK & Australia up next.

So that's four nations that could compete in an International TUF for 2013.

[BluenoseGreig]

Is there not also plans afoot for TUF Philipines? Soon maybe?

[Rich Davie]

Yeah... I think I recall that as well.

[Dirty Daley]

that will truly get the best unsigned fighter and a big contract to boot. also the winners of there seasons should get a smaller ufc contract.