Tag: MMA

When Cat Zingano defeated Miesha Tate at the TUF 17 Finale earlier this month, she earned herself a shot at champion Ronda Rousey’s UFC title. But before the two women square off for the right to be called the queen of mixed martial arts, they will compete opposite one another as coaches on the 18th season of The Ultimate Fighter.

It will mark the first time that either female coaches or female contestants have been a part of the reality series, making it perhaps the most intriguing season the show has produced in years. 

If that novelty is not enough to pique your interest, check out this video, produced by MMA Fighting’s Casey Leydon and Esther Lin. It’s definitely worth your time and just might get you back on the TUF bandwagon.

The video is set at the at the TUF 18 women’s tryouts, where female fighters from as far as the United Kingdom are attempting to earn themselves a spot in the house. 

You will see hopefuls talk about what the opportunity means to them, as well as to the sport they love; you’ll see grappling highlights from the day, and of course, you’ll see some obligatory shots of Dana White.

You will also see a couple of faces familiar to the WMMA scene, namely Shayna Baszler and Tara LaRosa, who will look to put exclamation marks on already successful careers by taking their talents into the Octagon.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the short film is the collective sense of camaraderie expressed by the women partaking in the tryout. Most seem supportive of their colleagues, expressing their excitement for the growth of WMMA in greater degree than for the opportunity that awaits them personally.

It will be interesting to see whether that unity lasts when they are all locked up in the house together, forced into competition, but that is something we will learn in time.

For now, check out the video. It’s a piece both intriguing and inspiring. 

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Liz Carmouche is the first openly gay UFC fighter, and if her campaign is successful, she may very well be the first openly gay spokesperson for Nike as well.

According to Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg.com, Nike is searching for a gay endorser to add to its already impressive list of athletes. There aren’t a ton of options due to the taboos related to coming out as a professional athlete, but Carmouche would seem to be an ideal fit.

Carmouche tweeted at Nike to make her case, and she certainly has a very compelling one. Not only is the former No. 1 contender an open and proud gay woman, but she also fought in the very first women’s UFC bout back in February as she lost to bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. 

If Nike is trying to widen the acceptance of gay athletes and broaden its scope as a company as well, then Carmouche is certainly a viable candidate. She is one of the most recognizable female fighters in the world, and her popularity would only grow with the support of Nike. 

According to gay-marketing strategist Bob Witeck (via Soshnick), a Nike-sponsored gay athlete “would earn millions in endorsements” with Nike as well as other companies due to the buying power of the gay population in the United States. Not only would this be a great opportunity for Carmouche from a personal perspective, but it would benefit her financially as well.

Nike has yet to respond to Carmouche’s request publicly, but she appears to be the first athlete to throw his or her hat into the ring. A successful company like Nike is sure to exercise due diligence throughout this process, but there is no questioning Carmouche’s qualifications.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter

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