Ladies and gentlemen, we-are-LIVE.
Fans who've been "spoiled" by the pre-taped episodes of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show may have a new reason to tune in each week.
That's because the proving ground for up-and-coming fighters is moving to a live format when it transitions to the FX channel in Spring 2012.
UFC President Dana White announced the change earlier today (Aug. 18, 2011) in a joint press conference with FOX Sports as part of the new, long-term broadcasting agreement between the two entities.
Details after the jump.
13 live episodes airing on the "FX" channel.
Live, two-hour season premier will feature 32 fighters facing off in "all-or-nothing" fights to earn their place on the show.
After coaches pick their teams, they will choose who is eligible for each bout. Viewers can also vote on and influence prospective match-ups.Each weekly show will be a "countdown" to that week's fight, which will air live at the end of each episode.
Cameras will follow both winners and losers into the locker room following the fights.
The season culminates in an all-live finale to crown the next TUF champion.
Expect more details to be revealed as we get closer to season 15.
In the meantime, let's hear your thoughts on the format change. Anything can happen in mixed martial arts, especially on live television.
Is this the breath of fresh air you were looking for? Or is it too little, too late? How much of an influence will the coaches be in this new format?
Sound off!
For more on the UFC's content agreement with FOX click here.
Get the latest gear
