Rumor has it that for Season Nine of the hit Ultimate Fighter series, the coaches representing their respective nations will be Dan Henderson, and Michael Bisping.
Now this to me seems a little absurd. Really absurd. Don't get me wrong, Dan Henderson is a work horse, and I think he fits the perfect mold for a coach on a series such as the Ultimate Fighter, but Michael Bisping? C'mon.
Bisping has been a hit ever since dropping weight to make the Middleweight division of the UFC. However, his opponents have been, well, less than stellar. He's fought now retired Charles McCarthy, and no-namer Jason Day. If that's enough to get you a coaching position on TUF, then Dana White and the organization just as well could bring Ross Pointon back to coach...maybe not.
Now I'm no stranger to marketing ploys. White, and the Fertita brothers are obviously appealing to their UK fans by bringing TUF to their nation. However, I think it is a poor choice. Bisping is the only main UK draw, and it's a shame that he really has to give Bisping so much publicity. If Bisping really was among the best at 185, then let him show it.
If I were promoting the whole TUF series, and was looking for an audience to appeal to, why not keep the same U.S. vs another nation theme going, and make it Brazil? Then fighters like Anderson Silva, Damien Maia, Paulo Filho (once WEC merges divisions), and other greats in Brazil, could coach.
Again, I'm not a stranger to marketing, and I know they have trouble speaking English, so that would be a negative. But isn't it hard enough to deal with Nogueira's speech as is right now on TUF? What about the whole British language? They have a thick accent too.
All I'm saying is that Bisping shouldn't be a possible coach...especially if he loses to Leben, because all I keep hearing is that at the end of that season, Hendo and Bisping will meet to become the number one contender to Silva's title (or Cote), regardless if Bisping loses to Leben.
Am I alone in thinking that Bisping shouldn't be a coach? What about a different country? Any thoughts?
14 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Bill Kao 9 months ago
Agreed. Bisping is the lone UK superstar and Zuffa has had success with events in the UK. TUF has become a worldwide attraction so it would only make sense to have Anderson Silva as a coach. I would imagine Brazil would appreciate MMA much more then UK.
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Jeremy Botter 9 months ago
They're doing the UK because that's the second biggest market they have at the moment. They've been building it up for 18 months, so it's only natural that they would choose it. I think we'll eventually see other countries involved and perhaps there will be country-specific versions of the show like they are planning to do for the UK.
Since it is the UK, Bisping is the only real choice. He's the biggest UK fighter on the roster. Henderson is a logical choice, because there's no other US middleweight who would draw much interest against Bisping and still be a top star. Marquardt's skills would make him a good coach, but he's a black hole of charisma and would make for boring television. Henderson is a big name, he's got plenty of personality, and he's in a position where beating Bisping would earn him another title shot in the depleted middleweight division. The same goes for Bisping; a win over Henderson in a high-profile TUF finale would make him a bigger star and most likely earn him a title shot as well.
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Brian Oswald 9 months ago
Well I was convinced that Bisping was a poor choice after reading your article, which was well written by the way, and then I had to go and read Jeremy's comment! It is hard to argue with his logic. I still don't think Bisping is ready to be a coach but marketing prevails and it does set up a nice match up between the two coaches. I am ready to see Bisping get tested and see if his talent can keep up with the hype.
I would prefer to see Brazil though. And I think the contestants would much rather be coached by Silva then Bisping. Again, US vs UK has a much better ring to it.
Based on timetables has anyone figured out when the fight between Bisping and Hendo take place? How many fights can Silva get in between his UFC 90 fight with Cote and a title fight with the winner of Bisping/Henderson. I am curious to see the mix of 185/205 fights he will get in while waiting for the TUF 9 dust to clear.
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Nick Colon 9 months ago
Great comments all around. I agree with them all...and I appreciate the comments. Keep them coming! Yes, Bisping is the only draw, and yes they probably will spin off into mini shows in their respective countries, but seeing how we're in the US (most of us on B/R), I feel it necessary to say that this should be Brazil vs US if going for skill. For marketing? Sure, keep the UK.
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Jessy Morris 9 months ago
Totaly agree Nick, you see my problem with Bisping is that since dropping weight, the UFC have tried to mold him into a great fighter and potentially a challenger for Silva's title. The thing is, like you said, Bisping has beaten nobody in the division and the UFC gave him fighters that were not gonna beat him in the first place. I like the guy but... a coach on TUF, no way. Bring in Brazil or hey maybe even Japan with Okami as a coach.
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Mike Leanza 9 months ago
Different country should be Brazil. Who cares about UK fighters considering the only good ones are Bisping and Paul Daley. UFC is probably just afraid that Brazil would destroy all of the cocky americancs we have here.
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Brian Oswald 9 months ago
I posted this comment in another article and thought it might be relevant here after recent events...
"Wow. Very interesting choice for the fight by the UFC. I'm definitely not complaining. Maybe they are letting Franklin and Hendo fight to see who has the honor of coaching against the immortal Michael Bisping! And if Leben defeats Bisping the UFC will help Chris expedite his British citizenship..."
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
While I agree that Bisping is not built to coach as of yet, and yes Hendo will make a great coach, I totally disagree on having Silva coach out of Brazil or any champion for that matter. Sure he would make a great coach, through translation one might add. Sorry guys, but arent you sick and tired of watching champions shelved for over a year while they cant defend the titles that other contenders and fans are dying to watch them defend? How long has Nog had his interim belt? Well to answer that long enough to allow an amature to step up and challenge for the real deal while he is off teaching up and comers the finer points of the sport. Ludicrous. Champions shouldnt be shelved period. Champions should prove they can still hold the belt. Champions should be obligated to defend regularly and in a timely fashion. How long did Sherk get suspended for and lose his belt over it? I AM NOT DEFENDING SHERK, but he was unable to defend and was stripped. Other than the obvious reason of roids why would a current champ be allowed more time off and keep their belt? Champions should want to fight every chance they get. Contenders deserve to challenge for those belts, they shouldnt be put on hold while these guys have an alterier agenda. Top 5 contenders should be coaches to determine their rankings by challenging eachother thus competing for a shot like Serra did. This topic drives me nuts. And your right its all about marketing. Some contenders wouldnt draw attention to the show as say Silva or in their days Hughes and GSP. I love paying for non title fights of Chuck Lidell-Rashad Evans and Hughes-Alves or in the near future Rich Fanklin-Hendo, all the while title holders are on vacation in Vegas filming shows. Grrrrrrrr.
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
As if I didnt say enough. I just want to add I understand we get title fights mixed in and get a healthy dose of great competition. We will see title fights soon and have seen them recently. Im just saying for one final note, title holders should not be tied up on shows. That was quite a rant I went off on and wanted to clarify my overall point. Sorry guys.
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Brian Oswald 9 months ago
Great point! Champs do not need to be stuck in idle for that long. They need to be able to defend their belts. No need to apologize. Your are spot on.
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
Thanks Brian. I feel like a jerk I spent so much time running my mouth I forgot to give credit to Nick for a well written and great article.
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Nick Colon 9 months ago
Wow...I appreciate all of the comments once again. I really love to see people making comments such as these. I think this is my first article where no one has really disagreed with the entire outlook of the article. I thought though this is a very important topic to discuss. I'm not a Bisping fan, and I still maintain his loss to Hamill. Regardless, I love how u guys have commented, and I appreciate everyone one of them. I'm glad my article was enjoyable for you guys. This is what I hope to do for a living eventually...oh and by the way....I totally agree with each and every comment so far. Really I do. Thanks guys!
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Brian Oswald 9 months ago
I agree with you on Bisping and on the Hamill decision. Did you see my article on Bisping vs Leben? By the way, enjoying your past articles.
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Nick Colon 9 months ago
Haha thanks Brian. I'll definitely check out that article.
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