No exhibition fights for Bellator's reality show contestants

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Fighters on Bellator's new reality show aren't just competing for the right to participate in the promotion's fall welterweight tournament – every step counts.

Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission Chairman Alvin Topham today confirmed to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that all fights on the reality show will be classified as two-round professional bouts.

However, official results from the show won't be released until after each episode airs, a Spike official confirmed.

A joint announcement by Spike TV and Bellator executives today confirmed the long-anticipated reality show, which will be overseen by the LBWC when it begins filming at the end of this week.

A venue in the New Orleans area will host eight elimination fights, which will form the basis for four teams helmed by Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, Greg Jackson and Joe Warren. Bellator will seed elimination-round winners based on performance, and the top seed gets to choose who he'll fight in the next round.

Sixteen welterweight hopefuls will be housed at the venue and vie for a shot at a $100,000 tournament payout for Bellator tourney winners.

Professional elimination bouts are a departure from Spike TV's previous work in MMA reality programming, which was partnered with UFC parent Zuffa before a split in 2011. "The Ultimate Fighter," which now airs on FX, was filmed in Las Vegas and featured exhibition bouts overseen by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The bouts did not count on a participant's pro record.

Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said fans should expect a mix of experienced veterans and newcomers on the show, which recently completed casting. Although some of the former expressed a desire to jump directly into a Bellator tournament, others saw the potential benefit of TV exposure.

"A lot of them look at it and say it's an incredible branding opportunity," he said.