A St. Louis-area man was announced Wednesday as one of 28 participants to spar in the upcoming season of FX's "Ultimate Fighter," which debuts Tuesday, Jan. 22.

Middleweight fighter Adam Cella, who trains at Finney's MMA in Crestwood, will compete against international contestants for the chance to earn an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contract.  

The 27-year-old is 4-0 in his professional MMA career and also dabbled in kickboxing. Cella, who grew up in Imperial, told Knuckle Junkies last year it was his "goal to get on TV."

This season's contestants will be coached by current UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones and contender Chael Sonne.

Watch "Ultimate Fighter" on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. The two-hour season debut will whittle the 28 prospects down to 14 season cast members. View a complete list of fighters on ee which five contestants Bleacher Report chose as favorites to win the competition.

One contestant, whose name was not revealed, reportedly terrifies other contestants, according to Bleacer Report.

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