For the first time in 18 seasons, male AND female mixed martial arts fighters are competing for the coveted title of The Ultimate Fighter. Further sweetening the deal, women’s division champion, Ronda Rousey and her long-time rival, Meisha Tate are coaching.
The show, which pits up-and-coming MMA fighters against each other in a single elimination tournament, has long been the breeding ground for some of the UFC’s most dominant fighters.
This major breakthrough for women in MMA comes off the heels of UFC President Dana White just 2 years ago emphatically stating thatwomen would never be allowed in the Octagon (the UFC’s trademark ring). Since making that piggish statement, the women’s division in the UFC is flourishing with its rising stars already headlining UFC events.
While the fireworks between coaches Rousey and Tate are sure to keep viewers tuning in this season, this year’s female competitors are not to be outshined. Six of the 8 women advancing to the next round finished their fights in dramatic fashion, either submitting or subduing their opponent with punches (TKO). Their dominance and display of skill and aggression make it all too apparent that this opportunity is long overdue.
What remains to be seen, however, is how the UFC audience will embrace the mainstreaming of women in the sport. MMA fans and fighters don’t have the best track record for championing gender equality. Whether it’s the gratuitous use of scantily clad ring girls, the homophobic/transphobic/sexist slurs, THIS atrocity, or the handful of fighters with domestic violence charges, the UFC has been a hotbed of misogynistic filth.
Personally, I’m holding out hope that the inclusion of women as competitors on TUF, and the further promotion of women in the sport will shift the tide, and allow women to be valued for more than sex objects within the UFC.
The social media response to the season premier, shines some rays of hope on this theory. Below I've included a sampling of some of the positive responses tweeted during the show. If you support women's sports, I encourage you to tune in, and take to the twittersphere. Use #TUF18 to tweet your encouragement to these fierce, trailblazing women. Episodes air Wednesday nights at 10pm on Fox Sports 1.
These two are tearing it up and it's only a Get-into-the-house fight! Where does @danawhite find these fighters #TUF18 #TUFonFS1
— Alex Valdez (@Lilchief2007) September 5, 2013
So Far, So Off The Hook. The Ladies Are Bringing It! Peggy Morgan Is Scary! #TUFPremiere #TUF18
— Jason My Love (@TRJ420) September 5, 2013
Jessica Rakoczy was incredible! I've never seen so many counters to submissions, over and over and over and then wins with an armbar! #TUF18
— Patrick Brad (@pbthreed) September 5, 2013
The women are outclassing the guys. Go ladies! #TUF18
— Chris Damien (@CrisDiesel) September 5, 2013
Watched @jessamynduke with @InvictaFights now @ufc on #TUF18 she is a beast! #respect
— Tito Briceno (@Tito_Briceno) September 5, 2013