A popular Food Network cooking competition series is returning in the summer of 2025 with a new name and a new host!
For two seasons, Superchef Grudge Match was a fun Food Network option, sort of a Tournament of Champions Lite. It was hosted by Darnell Ferguson and would pit two chefs against each other who had some kind of feud or grudge to settle.
Unfortunately, it did not return after its second season aired due to the host’s legal issues regarding a domestic violence incident with his wife.
But Food Network Magazine revealed in its new issue that the popular competition series is returning this summer with a (slightly) new name and a brand-new host.
RELATED: Celebrity Chefs Cheer ‘Top Chef’ All-Star’s ‘Amazing’ Cancer News: ‘I Am in 100 Percent Remission!’
Since Ferguson’s nickname was “Superchef,” the show was called Superchef Grudge Match. But it returns this summer simply as Chef Grudge Match, and the person taking over the hosting duties is none other than famed boxer and daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali.
The Food Network description reads, “The competitors on this show have long-standing rivalries, and they’re looking to settle them with a culinary showdown. Host Laila Ali, a boxing hall-of-famer, oversees the action as judges determine which chef wins each round and ultimately goes home with $10,000.”
This is not Ali’s first foray into television. She co-hosted the revival of American Gladiators and competed on season 4 of Dancing With the Stars. She also competed on Chopped: All Stars, was a cast member on The Celebrity Apprentice season 8, and appeared as “Panda” on season 2 of The Masked Singer.
The article also revealed the first three match-ups. Typically, an episode of Superchef Grudge Match would have two match-ups per episode, so we aren’t sure if two of these are in the premiere and one of them is in the second episode, or if they’re changing the format to have three match-ups per episode.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
But either way, the first three match-ups include two Food Network Stars in 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing contestants Gabe Bertaccini and Damaris Phillips, both of whom have appeared on multiple Food Network shows.
The announced matchups are as follows:
Gabe Bertaccini vs Tyler Romine
This 15-year feud started when Tyler quit Gabe’s restaurant with just three days’ notice.
Taylor Frankel vs Maria Busato
Maria was Taylor’s sous chef until she opened a rival catering company in the same small town.
Damaris Phillips vs Coby Ming
These co-chefs want to settle whose fried chicken recipe deserves a spot on their menu.
There is no word yet as to when Chef Grudge Match will premiere on Food Network.
