TUF 18: Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey Preview


Ronda Rousey UFC

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA Today Sports

Tonight, Fox Sports 1 will feature the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter Season 18, which will showcase both men and women fighters on the show. This is the first time the UFC has ever done this, and it will be interesting to see the type of dynamic that the fighters have with each other while fighting on the show. Coaching the teams will be Ronda Rousey, who is the UFC bantamweight champion, and Miesha Tate.

Originally, Cat Zingano was scheduled to face off against Rousey on the show, as she was able to defeat Tate by way of TKO in the third round of their contender bout. An injury, however, forced Cat out of her position, allowing Tate to take her role. Now, Tate gets the chance to coach against Rousey, which is fireworks in the making. Both have shown their disdain for each other, and this animosity will certainly spill out onto this season of TUF.

There are some quality fighters on this season of TUF, which includes veterans Shayna Baszler, Tara LaRosa, and Roxanne Modafferi. It will be interesting to see how these female fighters do on the show. TUF has always been coached by male fighters, so Tate and Rousey will make history on this season, making this show all the more intriguing to watch. With the dynamic of male and female fighters on the show coupled with the animosity shared between Tate and Rousey,  you have one of the most entertaining seasons of TUF to date.

It all starts tonight after UFC Fight Night 28, which can be viewed on the Fox Sports 1 network.


Sign Up
for the

We Recommend

Partner with USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties