A mixed martial arts competitor born and raised in Powell River has been chosen to appear in a reality television show.
Michael Hill has been added to the 32-man cast for the premiere episode of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 16, which debuts Friday, September 14 on Sportsnet. He will be taking part in the elimination fights that will whittle the field down to the 16 welterweights who will earn a place in the infamous TUF house in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hill, who now lives in Kelowna, is 4-0 in mixed martial arts (MMA) and has competed in Canadian promotions Aggression MMA and Battlefield Fight League.
One other Canadian is in the cast, along with one Brazilian and 29 American welterweights who will vie for a roster spot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Over 60 fighters tried out for the show.
Hill’s mother, Natalie, said she is very proud of her son and being a contestant on the show is a dream come true for him. “We’re all so proud of him,” she said. “He’s really struggled to make it this far.”
Hill’s involvement in the show has been a secret, until last Thursday when the announcement about who the contestants are was made. Hill is still in seclusion, but his supporters and fans can follow his personal updates to the blog section of his website, www.mmamike.ca. As well, people can send any support to him at [email protected].
Hill, 25, was born and raised in Powell River and graduated from Brooks Secondary School in 2005. Three years later, he moved to Vancouver and joined a small MMA gym in Tsawwassen while he obtained a degree in fitness and nutrition from the Hilltop Academy in Surrey. He trained with coach Andrew Davis, learning the basics of MMA and competing in small tournaments.
Hill’s next move was to Kelowna, where he joined Team Toshido under respected MMA fighter and trainer David Lea.
Just like last season, TUF 16 will run for 13 consecutive weeks on Friday nights with the winner being crowned at the live finale on December 15. The winner earns a six-figure contract with the UFC.
The two coaches, UFC heavyweight contenders Shane Carwin and Roy Nelson, will fight in the main event of the finale, which takes place in Las Vegas.
According to UFC president Dana White this season could be an interesting season because of the coaches. “Carwin and Nelson are two guys who just can’t stand each other and Roy and I haven’t exactly seen eye to eye either—he’s been a nightmare for me to work with on this show with all his stupid BS,” said White, in announcing the roster for the elimination fights.
