TUF 28 will finally build the women’s 145lb weight class, and add men’s heavyweights as well.
At long last, the UFC is finally committing to building a featherweight division for the ladies. The move comes over a year after launching the weight class, back at UFC 208. It also comes after featherweight champion Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino made it a point to focus on the growth of her weight class. Also on a recently distributed casting call for the show: men’s heavyweights. Heavyweights were featured on the tenth season of the franchise, which turned out to be one of the most popular seasons of the show.
Roy Nelson would go on to win TUF 10. As for the featherweights? Outside of title fights there has never been a women’s featherweight fight in the promotion. That will change, however, when Holly Holm meets Megan Anderson later this year.
Featherweight Pam Sorenson was one of many commenting on the news. Casting will take place May 22 at the Palace Station and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. All hopefuls are required to have at least three fights as a pro, verifiable on Sherdog or MixedMartialArts.com — as well, applicants must be between 21 and 34 years of age.
Both weight classes have been in need of a boost for years. The UFC has come under fire repeatedly for neglecting the women’s 145lb class, which was actually introduced prior to the arrival of the flyweight division, which is already under full swing.
No air date or filming date has been announced for the show. The Ultimate Fighter 27 began airing just a week ago.
