Today the UFC held their open tryouts for season 28 of The Ultimate Fighter which will be featuring the heavyweights and female featherweights. Ironically enough, 28 fighters showed up for the chance to be a part of the featherweight cast.
One fighter in particular that showed up was not there to try and earn a spot on the show. That fighter actually happened to be the division’s longtime queen, Cris Cyborg who is hosting a dinner tonight open to all the participants that are interested.
Call it scouting or just being generous to her future fellow division members, Cyborg has been very vocal about wanting to aid in the growth of the women’s 145-pound weight class. So let’s see who all showed up.
Wombat Sports released the full list of 28 fighters that tried out.
Marciea Allen (7-2)
Sarah Alpar (7-4)
Moriel Charneski (3-4)
Macy Chiasson (2-0)
Kelly Clayton (0-1)
Jozette Cotton (8-1)
Calie Cutler (6-5)
Cindy Dadnois (12-3)
Audrey Drew (1-0)
Faith Van Duin (6-3)
Zarah Fairn (6-2)
Zoila Frausto (13-5)
Morgan Frier (3-1)
Ediane Gomes (11-4)
Sarah Howell (2-1)
Julija Stoliarenko (4-2-1)
Pannie Kianzad (9-3)
Bea Malecki (2-0)
Jessy Miele (6-3)
Larissa Pacheco (11-2)
Sarah Patterson (5-4)
Elizabeth Phillips (7-6)
Allison Schmidt(1-1)
Pam Sorenson (7-2)
Wendy Rodriguez(4-0)
Kaitlin Young (7-9-1)
Roberta Paim (4-1)
Tai Emery (?-?)
On the UFC’s tryout release, they stated that there would be an age limit of 21-34 and record requirement of at least three professional fights and a winning record.
If the UFC stays true to this, that would eliminate 10 names off of that list. 8 for losing records/not enough fights and 2 for age(Ediane Gomes and Marciea Allen).
A couple of these names may stand out more than others as several of the fighters have either fought for the UFC, Invicta or both. Of the 28, over half have fought in weight classes below 145 pounds primarily or on multiple occasions.
If a prediction had to be made on who will make it into the house it would be safe to assume we will get the UFC/Invicta veterans in Cindy Dandois, Pam Sorenson, Pannie Kianzad, Faith Van Duin, Elizabeth Phillips then the some of the more prospect status fighters like Jozette Cotton, Sarah Alpar, and Julija Stoliarenko.
The UFC only homes two natural featherweights at the moment in the champion, Cyborg and Megan Anderson so it will be interesting to see who they decide to select to help finally start this division.
TUF 28 is set to begin filming in July. The coaches for the season have yet to be announced.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 5/22/2018.