The upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter” is set to feature a unique blend of coaching expertise as former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has enlisted WWE superstar Julius Creed, known off-stage as Jacob Kasper, to his coaching staff. The new season, debuting on May 27 on ESPN2 and streaming on ESPN+, promises to be an exciting clash between Cormier and fellow UFC veteran Chael Sonnen.
The Coaching Lineup: A Fusion of Wrestling and MMA
Daniel Cormier has assembled a diverse team of coaches for “The Ultimate Fighter” season 33, integrating talents from both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. Julius Creed, a current WWE star and accomplished amateur wrestler, joins the roster alongside MMA veterans and trainers. Kasper’s wrestling credentials are impressive, having been a two-time NCAA All-American at Duke University and a participant in the 2016 U.S. Olympic trials.
Complementing Creed’s wrestling prowess, the coaching staff includes Bob Cook from the American Kickboxing Academy, Syndicate MMA’s John Wood, UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa, kickboxing expert Tiago Beowulf, and boxing trainer Rosendo Sanchez. This eclectic mix aims to provide robust training and mentorship to the flyweight and welterweight fighters under Cormier’s guidance.
Building on Past Rivalries: Cormier vs. Sonnen
This season’s coaching showdown sees Daniel Cormier facing off against Chael Sonnen, marking their first head-to-head as TUF coaches. Both veterans bring extensive experience to the table; Cormier’s previous stint as a TUF coach was against Stipe Miocic in 2018. For Sonnen, this is his third appearance as a TUF coach, having previously squared off against Jon Jones and Wanderlei Silva in earlier seasons.
While Cormier has opted for a team rich in diverse wrestling and combat backgrounds, Sonnen’s lineup, still in the finalization stages, will feature notable figures such as Colby Covington, known for his dynamic presence both inside and outside the octagon.
Anticipating a Riveting Season
The Ultimate Fighter season 33 is poised to be a captivating series with coaching strategies that blend the worlds of WWE and MMA, offering fans an exciting mix of athletic disciplines. As the season unfolds, viewers can expect intense competition and strategic insights from both Cormier’s and Sonnen’s teams. With 12 episodes airing weekly, the show will spotlight aspiring fighters striving for victory under the mentorship of their experienced coaches.
As anticipation builds towards the May 27 premiere, the inclusion of Julius Creed adds a fresh dynamic to the show, bridging the gap between professional wrestling entertainment and the gritty reality of mixed martial arts. This crossover not only enriches the training environment but also promises to draw a diverse audience eager to see how these contrasting yet complementary worlds collide in the octagon.
With both teams bringing their own unique flair and expertise, “The Ultimate Fighter” season 33 is set to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments, keeping MMA and WWE fans alike on the edge of their seats. As the season progresses, the impact of this innovative coaching lineup on the fighters’ development and performance will be a key narrative to follow, offering a fresh perspective on the art of combat sports training.
