The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 21 Finale has a permanent home and venue. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, July 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC made the news official in an announcement on Friday.
TUF 21 Finale was originally scheduled to take place in south Florida to coincide with the this season’s American Top Team vs. Blackzillians competition on the reality show. Both of those mixed martial arts team reside in Coconut Creek, Florida. However, the UFC is now staging a middleweight bout between Lyoto Machida and Yoel Romero to headline the finale for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4. TUF: Brazil 4’s finale was originally scheduled for Sao Paolo, Brazil on June 27, but has since been moved to Miami, Florida. With the two cards taking place in close timing proximity in the same geographic location, the UFC decided to move TUF 21 Finale to Las Vegas.
The finale for TUF 21 also takes place the day following UFC 189, which is being held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as well.
The main event for TUF 21 Finale is a welterweight clash between Jake Ellenberger and Stephen Thompson, a bout originally scheduled for UFC 189. Jorge Masvidal moves back to welterweight to face Cezar Ferreira.