New UFC champ Cody Garbrandt set to coach “The Ultimate Fighter 25”
December 30, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Cody Garbrandt gestures toward Dominick Cruz during UFC 207 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
New UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt is set to be a coach opposite T.J. Dillashaw on the upcoming 25th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”
The Ohio native Garbrandt, who won the title with a dominant decision nod over Dominick Cruz at UFC 207, has quickly become one of the biggest stars in the UFC. He’ll coach opposite former teammate Dillashaw, who was dethroned of the title by Cruz last year.
Garbrandt holds an 11-0 record and is expected to bring most of the coaching staff from Team Alpha Male to coach alongside him. His uncle Bob Meese will also serve as his team’s striking coach.
Dillashaw will likely bring a team of coaches from his new team Elevation Fight Team in Colorado, and could also bring former TAM striking coach Duane Ludwig as well.
The tensions could rise in the house, considering the growing rivalry between Garbrandt and Dillashaw, as well as between T.J. and TAM head Urijah Faber.
The other wrench thrown in this season is that the cast won’t be made up of up and coming fighters, rather it will feature a group of welterweights who are looking for redemption. The fighters have all competed on TUF before and are looking for a second crack at the UFC. A rumored list released last year could feature the likes of Junie Browning, Julian Lane, and Justin Edwards.
The new season debuts April 19 on Fox Sports 1, and Garbrandt is expected to defend his title against Dillashaw at the conclusion of the season in July.
