Women in the Ultimate Fighter- A desk based interpretive critical analysis of women’s perception and role within the UFC realm.

Abstract

"When are we going to see women in the UFC?" White replied, "never." (Smith, 2011) These were the thoughts of Dana White, UFC President in 2011. The very notion of women participating in this sport was a ridiculed by White. However by 2013 the tide had turned with the UFC signing Ronda Rousey and putting her in the main event of UFC 157. Thus, women’s presence in the UFC began. Shortly afterwards, came another first with women coaches appearing on the successful UFC reality television show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. The show has become a springboard for fighters to launch their MMA careers. Hall of fame fighters such as Rashad Evans, Stephen Bonnar and Diego Sanchez to name a few have entered the sport through this route. Now it’s the women’s turn, how will they be perceived within the masculine dominated field of MMA, and its elite sphere the UFC? What discourses, perceptions and connotations will they face? The following study focuses on developing an understanding of women, and femininity on the ‘Ultimate Fighter