'The Ultimate Fighter: China' tryouts announced for July and August

A long-discussed Chinese version of “The Ultimate Fighter” is now a step closer to reality following the UFC’s announcement of show tryouts that begin next month.

Officials are searching for featherweight, lightweight and welterweight hopefuls to try out for the show, which will air on the Chinese-language Liaoning TV. North American broadcast plans weren’t announced.

Officials today posted the announcement on the UFC-China website.

The cast eventually will feature 16 fighters, though not necessarily with competitors from all the above weight classes. Head coaches haven’t been determined.

Tryouts are being held in three different locations on three different dates: Beijing’s Metropark Lido Hotel (July 21), Marina Bay Sands Singapore (July 25) and The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel (Aug. 3).

Fighters must be 18 or older, have professional experience that can be verified, not be contractually obligated to another fight promotion, pass a drug test, and either live in or be able to work in China. Hopefuls must also be fluent in Mandarin/Putonghua.

The three-month series run concludes with a live finale in Macau, a special administrative regional of China that hosted the area’s first UFC event in November 2012. A “TUF: China” debut date wasn’t announced.

“TUF,” which enters its 18th U.S.-based season in September, has also featured three international editions with two in Brazil and a U.K. vs. Australia version. A Canada vs. Australia version also recently was announced for 2014.

Although the UFC has long mentioned China as a place for expansion, only two fighters – struggling Tiequan Zhang (15-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC) and newcomer Jumabieke Tuerxun (14-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) – are under contract to the organization. “TUF: China” likely will jumpstart the UFC’s talent scouting in the area.

(Pictured: Tiequan Zhang)