ESPN’s Ariel Helwani took to social media and highlighted a critical question that captured the attention of fans. Chiefly, Helwani shed some light on the upcoming ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ season and laid out some possible coaches for the show. The names being thrown out stem from the welterweight division considering the hectic activity that’s taken place at 170-pounds.
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UFC 258 just wrapped up and Kamaru Usman emphatically defended his strap for the third time against Gilbert Burns. The end came via third-round TKO after ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ warded off some adversity early on into the contest. Following the victory, Usman took to the mic and called out Jorge Masvidal for a rematch of their first bout from July 2020.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) Opponents Kamaru Usman of Nigeria and Gilbert Burns of Brazil face off during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX on February 12, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
It appears the UFC has potentially solved the question as to which marquee fighters are willing and able to coach TUF. It would make a lot of sense to have Masvidal and Usman on opposing teams, given their disdain for each other.
UFC is in search-mode for TUF coaches. They want big names. The current plan, as of earlier this week, was Masvidal and Covington. Deal wasn’t getting done. Usman callout could change things. Masvidal’s co-manager @malkikawa now pushing for Usman/Masvidal as TUF coaches.
Now, it seems like this idea could move forward, seeing as both managers are involved.
The Ultimate Fighter: Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal
The aforementioned welterweights are certainly front runners in the conversation, as the UFC is potentially out of options. There were moves being made to add Masvidal and Covington to a TUF gig. However, that seemingly fell through. Colby Covington is now in the works to fight Khamzat Chimaev, and this leaves Jorge Masvidal without a dance partner.
Additionally, there are a lot of angles to explore when looking at a match-up between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. Apart from their vitriol for each other, both men want to make a definitive statement in a rematch. Their fight materialized in 6 days and both men believe they can chase the finish with a full camp.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 10: (L-R) Opponents Kamaru Usman of Nigeria and Jorge Masvidal face off during the UFC 251 official weigh-in inside Flash Forum at UFC Fight Island on July 10, 2020 on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Furthermore, Usman has been wanting to receive some recognition for his dominant performances and Masvidal brings the spotlight. It seems like a slam dunk so far as a deal can be made that is beneficial to both men.
Masvidal may be entering the affair as a challenger, but his paycheck certainly brings in some considerations for the UFC. What would you make of a Masvidal vs Usman TUF season?
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