Canada and the Middle East “neck and neck” to host first ever international TUF
UFC President, Dana White has revealed that Canada and the Middle East are “neck and neck” to host the first ever international version of “the Ultimate fighter” reality show, with SPIKE TV already doing the ground work in both territories.
Speaking to MMAJunkie.com, Dana said:
“They’re neck and neck. Look at the U.K.,” White said. “When we went to the U.K. the first time – it was in like 2002 or 2003 – and there was nothing. Literally nothing. Ian Freeman had come out of (the U.K.). We did that fight at the Royal Albert Hall, and we sold like 4,500 tickets to that thing. Look at it now.”
“In the Middle East – in Abu Dhabi, (United Arab Emirates) – part of kids’ curriculum in school is jiu jitsu. From kindergarten up, it’s like English or math. It’s mandatory. You have to take jiu jitsu. Trust me, it’s a lot bigger there than you realize.”
The promotion has admitted it may be difficult to talent scout in the Middle East, likely giving the edge this time around to Canada. There may also be problems flying the likes of Dana and his team in and out of the area on a regular basis. Stay tuned to MMABay for more on this as we get it.
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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