TUF 18 Tryout: Fighters Look to Join Team Rousey or Zingano

When Cat Zingano defeated Miesha Tate at the TUF 17 Finale earlier this month, she earned herself a shot at champion Ronda Rousey's UFC title. But before the two women square off for the right to be called the queen of mixed martial arts, they will compete opposite one another as coaches on the 18th season of The Ultimate Fighter.

It will mark the first time that either female coaches or female contestants have been a part of the reality series, making it perhaps the most intriguing season the show has produced in years. 

If that novelty is not enough to pique your interest, check out this video, produced by MMA Fighting's Casey Leydon and Esther Lin. It's definitely worth your time and just might get you back on the TUF bandwagon.

The video is set at the at the TUF 18 women's tryouts, where female fighters from as far as the United Kingdom are attempting to earn themselves a spot in the house. 

You will see hopefuls talk about what the opportunity means to them, as well as to the sport they love; you'll see grappling highlights from the day, and of course, you'll see some obligatory shots of Dana White.

You will also see a couple of faces familiar to the WMMA scene, namely Shayna Baszler and Tara LaRosa, who will look to put exclamation marks on already successful careers by taking their talents into the Octagon.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the short film is the collective sense of camaraderie expressed by the women partaking in the tryout. Most seem supportive of their colleagues, expressing their excitement for the growth of WMMA in greater degree than for the opportunity that awaits them personally.

It will be interesting to see whether that unity lasts when they are all locked up in the house together, forced into competition, but that is something we will learn in time.

For now, check out the video. It's a piece both intriguing and inspiring.