Food Network is stepping into the culinary ring with Chef Grudge Match, a new competition series fronted by undefeated boxing legend Laila Ali>. The show launches Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 9 PM ET/PT, with next-day streaming on Max.
Each of the eight episodes pits two chefs with unresolved beef against each other in a single-round face-off. Rivalries range from stolen recipes to soured partnerships. Winners walk away with $10,000, the losing chef’s knife, and bragging rights that stick.
The premiere sets the tone. In one match-up, Gabe Bertaccini confronts former protégé Tyler Romine over a 15-year-old fallout that started with Romine leaving Bertaccini’s catering business without notice. Another bout features Colorado chefs Taylor Frankel and Maria Busato, whose friendship collapsed when Busato launched a competing business in the same town.
Jet Tila joins as resident judge, with guest judges rotating each week. Confirmed names across the season include Stephanie Izard, Maneet Chauhan, Tiffani Faison, Eric Adjepong, and Adrienne Cheatham>. The judging table will play a key role, balancing culinary critique with context on the rivalries.
Ali, who holds five world boxing titles and a Hall of Fame induction, brings experience from both sport and broadcast. Her presence anchors the format, giving it edge and authority without turning it into parody. The format stays grounded in real disputes, not gimmicks.
Chef Grudge Match premieres Tuesday, August 12 at 9 PM ET/PT on Food Network.
