Further proof of the UFC’s global expansion, season nine of Spike TV’s wildly popular series, “The Ultimate Fighter,” will feature 16 American and 16 British fighters competing in the middleweight (185 lbs) and welterweight divisions (170 lbs). The fighters will once again have to fight and win a preliminary bout to advance into The Ultimate Fighter house.

An open casting call for the new season will be held for British hopefuls on October 20 in London and a casting call for American fighters will be held October 27 in Chicago.

In London, the information is as follows:

DATE: Monday, October 20, 2008
VENUE: Earls Court Exhibition Centre
LOCATION: Warwick Road, London, SW5 9TA
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)207 370 8539
REPORT TIME: Fighter registration begins at 9 AM GMT; Tryouts at 10 AM GMT.

For the Chicago casting call:

DATE: Monday, October 27, 2008
VENUE: Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel
LOCATION: 5440 North River Road , Rosemont, IL 60018
TELEPHONE: 847-671-6350
REPORT TIME: Fighter registration begins at 9 AM CT; Tryouts at 10 AM CT.

Contestants must be over 21 and able to compete at either 170 or 185 lbs.

Production for “The Ultimate Fighter: U.S. vs. U.K” begins in Las Vegas in January and the new season will premiere on Spike TV in April. The 32 up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighters will compete to win a six-figure contract with the world’s preeminent mixed martial arts organization, The Ultimate Fighting Championship.

UFC President Dana White will once again serve as host for “The Ultimate Fighter.” Coaches will be announced at a later date.

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