Watch a Sneak Peek: Laila Ali Steps in the Ring as the Host of 'Chef Grudge Match'

Boxing champion Laila Ali is stepping into the ring once again, this time to host Food Network’s Chef Grudge Match, a single round, winner-take-all culinary battle where elite chefs come to settle long standing disputes and bitter rivalries. The series premieres Tuesday, August 12 at 9|8c on Food Network — and will be available to stream the next day on HBO Max.

What is Chef Grudge Match About?

From employees who have been wronged by their boss to restaurateurs defending their livelihoods from copycats, competing culinary pros put their favorite knives, and egos, on the line in a bid to put old scores to bed. Each episode features two head-to-head battles where resident judge Jet Tila welcomes a guest judge to help determine who walks out with $10,000 cash, the losing chef's most coveted knife and bragging rights for life.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Food Network family,” says Ali. “As someone who’s always been passionate about both competition and delicious food, Chef Grudge Match is the perfect fit. Now I get to have fun while bringing that same intensity to a show where culinary rivalries are settled once and for all!”

Who Else Will Appear on Chef Grudge Match?

In the premiere episode, host Laila Ali welcomes Gabe Bertaccini, a Food Network favorite who has been holding a grudge for 15 years against his prodigy, Tyler Romine, who quit Gabe’s catering business with only three days’ notice. In the second match, Vail Colorado’s Taylor Frankel has a grievance with her former sous chef, Maria Busato, after she opened a rival catering company in the same small town. Across the eight-episode season, battles will be fought over business and recipe rivalries, between students and teachers and even husband vs. wife.

Guest judges joining the action across the season include Eric Adjepong, Maneet Chauhan, Adrienne Cheatham, Tiffani Faison, Stephanie Izard, Eddie Jackson, Chris Oh and Claudette Zepeda.

How to Watch Chef Grudge Match

Stay up to date on the latest Chef Grudge Match news and more on FoodNetwork.com. Follow along with the competition and culinary rivalries on social media using #ChefGrudgeMatch.