The next season of “The Ultimate Fighter” is around the corner, but the coaches have yet to be officially named.
According to the former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson, he was not only contacted about a coaching role in the upcoming 31st season of the reality competition series expected to film soon, but given a choice of who he would be coaching against.
Since Ferguson’s first choice of retired UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov has completely stepped away from the sport, his next choice is the former two-division champion, Conor McGregor.
Ferguson’s statement on social media comes just a day after McGregor said he was offered to coach the show, to which he said, “I like it.”
“I’ve Been Asked To Coach On TUF Against Ol’e Fathead, or Anyone Of My Choosing If That Cake-Eatin’ Sum’Bish’ Wouldn’t Show *mack* 🤦♂️ What A Vagina 🏃♂️💨🍃 I’m Always Ready Anytime Anywhere,.. 📈 I Choose You McKnacker 🫵😎 @thenotoriousmma See Ewe🐑 Soon- Thee🏔️Champ 🤓 -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # My👇Mat 💯
Ferguson made his first big splash by winning Season 13 of TUF with Team Lesnar in 2011. On his run to the TUF crown, Ferguson stopped all of his opponents: Justin Edwards, Ryan McGillivray, Chuck O’Neil, and Ramsey Nijem in the finale.
McGregor has TUF experience as well, although not as a fighter.
McGregor coached opposite Urijah Faber on Season 22 in 2015, but did not face his rival coach in the octagon. The coaches of each team have often fought at the conclusion of the season, but McGregor was lined up to unify the featherweight title against then-champion Jose Aldo.
If Ferguson and McGregor end up coaching against one another on Season 31 of the show, it is unclear if the two will meet inside the octagon. The new season is expected to broadcast later this spring.