Several active UFC fighters will be taking on a coaching role for the latest season of the show that made the UFC into what it is today.
‘The Ultimate Fighter’ is back with the first episode already producing a major upset as Joseph Morales submitted LFA flyweight champion Eduardo Henrique.
Both coaches have brought in some special help for this season with Daniel Cormier enlisting WWE superstar Julius Creed for his team.
‘Team Bad Guy’ went in a different direction with Chael Sonnen having Colby Covington work alongside him, which has earned mixed reactions following the debut of ‘TUF 33’.
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Fans are split on Colby Covington’s coaching role following the return of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’
Having walked out with Colby Covington for his fight with Joaquin Buckley in Tampa last year, Chael Sonnen has got the controversial star to repay the favor.
‘Chaos’ will be a part of Team Sonnen throughout ‘TUF 33’ with the first episode briefly highlighting the role of the former interim welterweight champion.
Sonnen spoke very highly of Covington during a segment of the debut episode where he was shown offering some advice to the flyweight and welterweight contestants.
“Every one of these guys admires Colby. They watch Colby, they aspire to be like Colby. Colby chose to be hands-on coach. He’s the dominant force in the room, they want to be like him. Colby could not be any better, he’s worth his weight in gold.”
Fans were split on Covington’s involvement on the show with some choosing to praise the work that they have seen him do as a coach in this opening episode as he shared some knowledge from experience.
“He’s doing [a] great job.”
“What a great coach.”
“Colby bringing the heat, this season’s gonna be wild!”
Others were less enthused by the idea of the often criticized veteran taking on the role of mentor for the weeks to come.
“Don’t listen to this loser, CC talks a lot and can’t back it up.”
“All the more reason not to watch.”
“Oh gawd. Learning from the pillow fisted decision machine.”
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Several former UFC champions are also set to feature on this series
During the debut episode of the new season, it was revealed that several former ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ contestants who went on to achieve great success inside the Octagon will also feature throughout the show.
Robert Whittaker, Carla Esparza, TJ Dillashaw and Rashad Evans all went on to hold UFC gold after cutting their teeth on the reality series.
They will now return to the ‘TUF’ gym in the coming weeks to mentor the talent that hopes to follow in their footsteps.
Former ‘TUF’ winner Michael Chiesa is also a mainstay of this season as one of the coaches on Team Cormier.