Pretty Tough | Girls Kick Butt! » Laila Ali steps out of the ring and into the “American Gladiator” arena

Laila Ali steps out of the ring and into the “American Gladiator” arena

The ultimate battle returns Monday nights on NBC. And stepping out of the ring to co-host the “bigger and better” American Gladiators is the greatest female boxer in the world (and our favorite contestant on DWTS), Laila Ali.

The show is an update on the 1989-97 syndicated series that featured amateur athletes facing off in a series of competitions against a regular cast of “gladiators.” Laila, who shares hosting duteis with Hulk Hogan, believes the show is more sports programming than reality TV. A nationwide search for gladiators and contenders culled a cast of men and women who proved they are fit enough - mentally and physically - to compete.

As host, Ali probably won’t be part of the competition herself but she has tried the joust and found it a lot more challenging than she thought it would be. Other women will compete however so keep an eye out for Gladiators Crush, Siren, Stealth and Venom and contestants Monica, Bonnie, Christie, Jessie and Kim.