First international TUF likely in Philippines this year

MMA Weekly reports that the ongoing UFC reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, will have its first international show in 2011, likely in the Philippines. Dana White made this announcement during a conference call Tuesday.

Via MMA Weekly:

“This year,” White confirmed about when an international “Ultimate Fighter” will debut. “I’m pretty sure the first one’s probably going to be the Philippines.”

The Philippines has become a hotbed for mixed martial arts over the last few years, and even UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre commented late last year that the area he’s seen the most rabid fan base was in the Philippines.

Payout Perspective:

At first, it seems odd to name the Philippines as the first place to have an international TUF. But, not only are fans wild about Manny Pacquiao, they are huge fans of MMA. In fact, it was believed the UFC was heading to the PI in 2009 to hold an event. Before GSP’s visit last year, Chuck Liddell and Brandon Vera visited to crowds excited about MMA.

Obviously, with the show going international, logistics will be a big issue. I’d imagine that the UFC would take advantage of the Philippines and showcase the country in some way rather than the usual “gym-house-gym” routine of TUF. No plans were discussed today so it is still up in the air if the potential show would feature US fighters, international fighters or a mix of both.