First, The Ultimate Fighter was dead. No more, over. New concept show in Season 24 with the Flyweight Champions from around the globe coming together and the winner fighting for the UFC Flyweight Championship. Something new, different, and then we were told it would end. (It was rumored that the show was originally scripted as “Who Can Beat Ronda Rousey,” bringing together various champions from around the world to fight and the winner compete for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. After losing to Holly Holm at UFC 193 the idea was scrapped and Demetrious Johnson and the Flyweight division deemed the next best fit.) Then it wasn’t over. The Ultimate Fighter 25 was announced.
TUF 25: All-Stars they called it. The Ultimate Fighter Season 4: The Comeback was arguably one of the best season’s in the shows 10+ year history so this could be promising. The Ultimate Fighter 24 also turned out pretty well, Tim Elliott almost pulled off the unthinkable returning after being cut from the UFC, winning The Ultimate Fighter, and giving the champ his hardest test to date.
MMA Newsline has learned of the initial group of 23 fighters invited to Las Vegas this week for the casting process. This is a unique group. Based on the records of these fighters it would appear some were chosen for their TV value over their skill in the cage.
The Ultimate Fighter 25 Initial Tryout Cast Breakdown
Of the 23, 17 have previously had a UFC fight with 2 of the athletes currently being on the UFC roster. One fighter has never been on The Ultimate Fighter and another lost his bout to enter the house on his season. One of the 23 also appears to be a 0-0 professional adding a unique dynamic to the mix.
The seasons represented include one competitor from The Ultimate Fighter 2, two competitors from The Ultimate Fighter 7, one from The Ultimate Fighter 8, two from The Ultimate Fighter Season 11, two from The Ultimate Fighter Season 13, four cast mates from The Ultimate Fighter 16, two from Season 17 as well as two from Season 19. One cast member from The Ultimate Fighter Season 21 is represented with two from Season 22 and another competitor from a Ultimate Fighter International season. Two of the invited cast to try out are former Ultimate Fighter winners.
The 23 athletes arrive in Las Vegas on December 13th & 14th for try outs and initial casting.
Sources close to MMA Newsline confirmed the following fighters as The Ultimate Fighter 25 tryout cast, though the following may not be a complete list of all fighters in attendance for the tryouts.
Johnny Nunez
Dominic Waters
Jesse Taylor
Joseph Stevenson
Gilbert Smith
Julian Lane
Edward Gordon
Dhiego Lima
Kajan Johnson
James Krause
Zak Cummings
Mehdi Baghdad
Gerald Harris
Justin Edwards
Seth Baczynski
Michael Ricci
Jamie Yager
Hector Cervantes
Edward Ellis
Junie Browning
Ramsey Nijem
Hayden Hassan
Thomas Gallicchio
MMA Newsline will continue to keep you updated as we learn more about the development of the upcoming season.