MMA's Erin Toughill an American Gladiator for Season 2

Erin Toughill, a female MMA fighter, has been invited to join the cast of American Gladiators for season two.

Back in mid-February we reported that Gladiator producers were planning to meet with pro wrestlers Matt Morgan and Chris "Masters" Modetzsky, as well as female MMA star Erin Toughill.  We already know that Matt Morgan will be appearing on Season 2, and now we have heard that Erin Toughill has been invited to join the show as well.

The 30-year old Toughill hails from Orange County, is 5'10" and weighs approximately 150 lbs.  She seems to represent a new direction for central casting, which is emphasizing fighting skills and more mainstream physiques.  Toughill is also considered to be less physically attractive than most of the current female Gladiators, and has numerous tattoos while producers have stated their desire to minimize tattoos during the second season.  Erin's fighting style is listed as Boxing/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and she has been training for 12 years with 22 total fights under her belt.  She temporarily "retired" from fighting back in September of 2007.

Sources cited the durability and popularity of Gina Camacho ("Crush") as one of the reasons why the show has been seeking to recruit additional wrestlers and fighters.  Some have speculated that the use of growth hormone or other substances, or the perception of such use in the general public, has been a factor in the casting.  We have confirmed that such factors have only been prevalent on the men's side of the Gladiator casting and have not been an influence on the women's side.   

Chris Masters was eliminated from consideration two weeks ago and will not be joining the show.

Sources:  MMA, NBC

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