The Ultimate Fighter has been an integral part of the UFC for a long time now. Fans tune in huge numbers to watch new and hungry fighters in the show. This year, it seems like the format of TUF has changed. UFC legends such as Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier are expected to be involved.Â
During the UFC 311 broadcasting, Sonnen and DC were announced as coaches of TUF season 33. Both Hall of Famers were at the commentary table, which got a massive response from the crowd. However, as expected, there has been some immediate criticism of the new change.Â
Historically, the coaches of TUF are the ones who eventually carry their competition to the octagon. From the show’s start, fans have experienced some incredible rivalries from fighters, who coached the contestants. However, with retired fighters such as Sonnen and Cormier, it’s safe to say that the coaches won’t fight.Â
Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen are your coaches of The Ultimate Fighter 33 pic.twitter.com/Au9pm20gdv
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 19, 2025
Last season, UFC women’s flyweight superstars Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko coached the season and eventually fought. However, the previous season when Conor McGregor went against Michael Chandler as coach, they didn’t fight. Many fans believe that this instance helped UFC to make this new change.Â
Fight fans react to Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier becoming the coaches for TUF season 33
Both Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen are UFC Hall of Famers and have a huge fan base. Both legends are quite knowledgeable and it could lead to an incredible contest between young fighters. While both legends are close friends, it would be interesting to see how they go against each other as coaches.
Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen to go against each other as coaches (via X)TUF has been a great initiative from the UFC, which helped them during the early days of the promotion. While the popularity of the promotion is at an all-time high now, the significance of TUF is undeniable. Nevertheless, here are some reactions to the latest announcement.Â
I have a feeling this season will have record high viewership lol pic.twitter.com/8E3zD0N2jn
— Tonya (@suckafree308) January 19, 2025
I like this idea.. if the coaches aren’t fighting each other then they should picks legends to be coaches
— Ted Bo (@TedBowe) January 19, 2025
Sad no current ufc fighters have the personality to do this show
— PSR (@PSR_Mufc) January 19, 2025
You would think it was 2014
— Kikaiida (@kikaiida808) January 19, 2025
UFC doesn’t give a shit anymore so why should I give a shit to watch TUF
— BNDTO (@MyNameIsDeezzz) January 19, 2025
Did Conor break the coaches fight thing?
— Benjamin Severson (@Combat_History) January 19, 2025
Conor ruined the whole coaches fighting thing 😂
— Josh Sharp (@ShowInvestment) January 19, 2025
33rd season?? pic.twitter.com/4cK6sEOulO
— Ishaan Bhattacharya (@IshaanBhatta) January 19, 2025
Khabib Team making a surprise appearance for DC team would be fun
— RED CACHE (@RedCacheREAL) January 19, 2025
Something different great idea!
— lewis collinsMMA (@lewiscollinsMMA) January 19, 2025
Hmm
I like real rivals…this is such a friendly season.
The show is getting soft.
And I like both guys, I think Chael is going to be hilarious af but where’s the smoke 💨— Jasmin (@mmajasmin) January 19, 2025
As expected, there was a variety of reactions to the news and the fight fans are currently divided. Many believed that it was a great idea to include legends in the show. Meanwhile, others made fun of the show losing its hype. Some blamed Conor McGregor for starting the trend of coaches not fighting in the end.
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