While the past three seasons have featured an initial elimination round of fights, “The Ultimate Fighter 13” will kick off with just 14 cast members, MMAjunkie.com today confirmed with sources close to the reality show.
Beginning with “TUF 7,” the UFC expanded its initial fighter group from the usual 16 to 32. To get into the house and become an official cast member, fighters had to win an elimination-round bout on the first day of taping.
With the upcoming 13th season, the elimination round has been eliminated. But the “wild card” selections still are in play.