Urijah Faber vs. Scott Jorgensen may be the main event of the Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale this weekend, but the fight with the most at stake is the “co-main event,” as the UFC will feature its second women’s fight when Miesha Tate takes on Cat Zingano. There’s a wide range of opportunities on the table here for these competitors both inside and outside of the Octagon.
The “tangible” opportunities for both Cat and Miesha are a shot at Ronda Rousey‘s bantamweight title, as well as the exposure that comes from coaching the upcoming season of the Ultimate Fighter opposite her. The UFC and FX has added the wrinkle of teams featuring both men and women, so anticipation is already through the roof about the antics that will occur during the season. Early expectations are that the ratings will be high, and we’ve seen how well that can improve the careers of individuals who appear on the show.
If Tate or Zingano can show off her personality opposite the charismatic Rousey, there is no telling where her career will go next. Rousey herself is rumored to have been offered various acting opportunities due to her rise to stardom over the last few years. And while all fighters will say that they love competing, it would be hard for any fighter to deny the right opportunity if it comes her way.
Another benefit the winner will get from winning this weekend and being on the next season of “TUF” is the opportunity to see much of her competition up close. The bantamweight division is the only group of female fighters that the UFC has shown interest in at this time, so the women that appear on the show are potential future opponents for not only each other, but the coaches as well. Seeing them up close to dissect their weaknesses and strengths as a coach could be a source of valuable information down the line, should they become opponents. Some of the most prominent names in women’s fighting have been mentioned as potential entrants, and that will give their coaches a front row view at each of them.
Miesha Tate and Cat Zingano have perhaps the most important bout of their respective careers coming up in a few days in Las Vegas. An opportunity for a title shot, television exposure, and a host of other openings await for the individual who gets her hand raised. These factors should make the bout much more intense, so expect this fight to be the fight to watch once the show is upon us.
The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale is due to take place on April 13, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Click the stars to rate how good you think the TUF 17 Finale will be.
