Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko Set to Lead TUF 32

08 March 2024

Excitement is brewing among MMA fans as UFC CEO Dana White officially announced the comeback of the iconic reality TV series, "The Ultimate Fighter," with the highly anticipated "TUF 32" set to premiere on June 4 on ESPN. This season will feature UFC women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko as coaches, marking the first time in the show's history that it will be led by an all-female coaching duo.

While the full cast has yet to be unveiled, the upcoming season will focus on men’s featherweights and middleweights. With Grasso boasting a professional record of 16-3-1 MMA and Shevchenko holding an impressive 23-4-1 MMA record, both coaches bring a wealth of experience and expertise to guide the aspiring fighters through the rigorous competition.

Originally slated to face off in a trilogy fight as the division’s next title bout, Grasso and Shevchenko have put their rivalry on hold to take on coaching duties for "TUF 32." Both fighters are coming off injuries and will resume their rivalry following the conclusion of the season.

Their first encounter in March 2023 saw Grasso deliver a stunning upset victory over then-champion Shevchenko. The rematch, held at the promotion’s inaugural Noche UFC event in September, ended in a dramatic majority draw, setting the stage for a highly anticipated trilogy showdown.

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As "TUF" approaches its 20-year anniversary since its debut in 2004, the upcoming season promises to reignite the passion and intensity that has made the show a staple in MMA culture. The most recent season, which aired in 2023, was coached by MMA icons Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, further solidifying "The Ultimate Fighter's" status as a cornerstone of the sport.