The Ultimate Fighter reality series, one of the staples of UFC programming over the past 15 years, is set to return in 2021.
The UFC will hold remote auditions for the 29th season of TUF on Nov. 13, the promotion announced Saturday. The season will consist of male bantamweight and middleweight contestants and air in March 2021 on ESPN+. It will mark the first season of the series since TUF 28, which aired in late 2018.
The format consists of a mini tournament between contestants separated into two teams. The teams will be coached by current UFC fighters. The UFC will announce coaches at a later date.
UFC president Dana White has credited the first season of TUF, which included names such as Forrest Griffin, Stephan Bonnar, Josh Koscheck, Kenny Florian, Chris Leben and others, for saving the company when it was in dire financial straits in 2005. The show has produced a number of viable stars, and multiple UFC champions.
The series has aired on Spike TV, FX, Fox Sports and UFC Fight Pass in the U.S. In addition to airing the 29th season, ESPN+ will make every season of the show available to stream at a date to be announced.