Brock Lesnar vs. Junior Dos Santos: Who Will Be the Better TUF Coach?

Last week it was revealed that former UFC hevayweight champion, Brock Lesnar and No.1 heavyweight title contender Junior Dos Santos will serve as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter this season.

The hit reality show, set to premiere in March, will feature both men coach a team of aspiring welterweights and ultimately square off against each other at the conclusion of the show, tentatively scheduled for UFC 131 in June. In culminating six weeks of filming, who or what Lesnar and Dos Santos bring to the table remains a mystery.

While some fans and critics show disdain to the idea of featuring both heavyweights as coaches, others have embraced it and are relishing the opportunity to watch the show. In this slideshow, we'll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages for both coaches. For either Lesnar or Dos Santos, one man's loss could be another man's gain.

Brock Lesnar- Pro: A Chance To Get Some Exposure.

Following his humiliating, one-sided loss to Cain Velasquez at UFC 121, Lesnar will have an opportunity to generate some exposure and allow mixed martial arts fans to get a glimpse of the former champion away from the Octagon. And it's a rare glimpse nonetheless; Lesnar is a private individual.

Earning some exposure each week could turn out to be a positive thing for Lesnar.

For one, it might recreate his image, as most fans remember he was dominated by a smaller, more complete fighter in Cain Velasquez. Viewers might also be able to see Lesnar's abilities as a coach, if he is able to carry his team on a winning streak throughout the program, fans could give him the benefit of the doubt.

Or he might just be an entertaining personality on the show, as he will keep viewers glued to their monitors anytime he says something brash, arrogant or comical. Regardless, the exposure of Lesnar is a win-win situation for UFC.

Con: Lesnar Is Not Media Friendly.

As mentioned in the previous slide, Lesnar is not the most friendly person in front of a camera. The 265lb.wrestler is a private individual and does not like to spend time away from his family.

In fact, according to UFC president Dana White, it was hard to get Lesnar to commit to the show. Staying six weeks away from his hometown and family will certainly be something Lesnar has to get used to.

One must wonder what his mentality will be coming into the show, while trying to adjust and adapt to a change of scenery. If he is not enjoying his temporary home in Las Vegas, how focused will Lesnar become and even more so, if his team suffers defeat more than once, will he even care?

Lesnar has been criticized by MMA journalists by showing no heart and a tendency to quit, TUF should provide enough truth about Lesnar and how seriously he takes his MMA career.

Pro: A Former Heavyweight Champion.

One of the main reasons why Lesnar was picked to be a coach this season is the fact that he is a former UFC heavyweight champion. There is no arguing his accomplishment. In only 4 professional bouts, Lesnar captured the ultimate prize in UFC.

The fact that he battled opponents like Frank Mir, Randy Couture and Shane Carwin and outlasted them all to successfully defend the strap defines how much character Lesnar has. He never became UFC champion for no reason.

This accolade adds not only a sense of drawing power to Lesnar's name but it also adds credibility. The fact he defended the belt successfully on two separate occasions shows that this former WWE superstar knows a thing or two about winning.

This is something that not only could drive Lesnar's team to become hungry and motivated, but it could drive Lesnar too.

Con; He's Inexperienced.

When he won the heavyweight crown in a span of four professional bouts, and against a legend like Randy Couture no less, it was impressive. However the one knock on Lesnar's credentials is that he is inexperienced in the sport of MMA.

You could make the same argument for Cain Velasquez but Velasquez is a different talent than Lesnar and holds much less drawing power than him.

Although Lesnar won, losing the heavyweight title shows that there is still room for improvement. How he is going to improve on his skill set, while coaching inexperienced fighters, is a big question. He might have his team of assistants along to help but Lesnar is the main coach of his team, the one who will be looked upon for guidance and direction throughout the season.

Whether Lesnar guides his team to success or not, a key factor of this season will focus on whether or not he has the ability to coach aspiring figters, some who are as inexperienced as him. While at the same time, he can benefit from this opportunity and gain experience for himself along the way.

Pro: Lesnar's Training Camp.

It's not necessarily a training camp of the likes of American Kickboxing Academy or Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting, but it's an effective staff that's to Lesnar's liking. The two main instructors from Death Clutch is Greg Nelson and former University of Minnesota wrestling coach, Marty Morgan.

It may not look like a camp that boasts a large amount of talented fighters, but it's not supposed to, as the team's main priority is Brock Lesnar. Adding multiple Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, Rodrigo "Camprido" Mederios to help round out Lesnar's skills isn't a bad idea either.

Of the strongest aspects of Lesnar is his massive build and athleticism, which makes him a rare breed of a fighter. His strongest area is his wrestling, which Death Clutch seems to rely on mostly. Whoever is on Lesnar's team will have a good fighting base to start from, and once they begin to refine thier wrestling skills, they can progress into other areas such as, grappling, subbmission and striking.

Again, Death Clutch doesn't look like the most talented team of fighters, but they are a successful team. They wound up transforming Lesnar from a laughable side show to a UFC champion in only 18 months, so that counts for something.

Con: Lesnar's Training Camp.

Lesnar has come a long way since his debut at UFC 81, but he hasn't developed his skills like most fighters do. Let's face it, he's a wrestler and a wrestler's approach to a fight is simple: clinch or go for a takedown, and get into a dominant position to control or finish the opponent. Lesnar has done that.

But that's all he has done and nothing else. Fighters on Team Lesnar might find it hard to develop into well-rounded fighters, when their coaches biggest strength is on the ground. It is a good base to start from, but if they cannot successfully takedown an opponent, it's likely they'll be forced to stand. An area where Lesnar has been susceptible to.

Being chosen to be apart of Team Lesnar is a dilemma all on it's own.

Junior Dos Santos- Pro:Nogueria's Protégé.

The explosive Brazilian is one of the most highly touted prospects in UFC. Certainly being under the tutelage of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira helps add to that statement. In a recent interview with Portal Do Vale Tudo, Nogueira praised the 26-year old Dos Santos and mentioned how he will coach the team and show them different techniques.

Training and studying with a legend like Nogueira, surely Dos Santos does not lack any knowledge or fundamentals in MMA. It's no surprise he is the best striker in the heavyweight division, dismantling opponents such as, Mirko Cro Cop, Gilbert Yvel and Roy Nelson.

Aspiring fighters will benefit greatly from the teaching and wisdom of Dos Santos, he demonstrates great poise, timing and is one of the most technically sound fighters in UFC.

Con: Communication.

Maybe the only glaring weakness about Dos Santos is the lack of English he speaks. Not that he is totally incapable but it will be an area he'll need to become more efficent in.

In past interviews Dos Santos has shown to speak English more frequently, but it is still hard to understand at times. It's understandable why he is learning English and choosing to speak it more often because he is trying to appeal and become marketable in a North American market.

Speaking English to his team will get the messgae across obviously, but moreso, it will help Dos Santos feel comfortable and develop a good relationship among the team. It's not perfect English, but it's a step forward.

Pro: Black House MMA.

Dos Santos trains with arguably the best training camp in MMA. Team Black House originates from Brazil, consisting of some of the best talent including Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo and Lyoto Machida.

Dos Santos will have no shortage of help to choose from when it's time to educate and train his team.

Almost every fighter apart of Black House MMA has contended or held a championship. The fighters will learn different styles and techniques of martial arts and will become well-versed in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and boxing.

Whoever is chosen to be apart of Team Dos Santos should take advantage and learn from the talent around them.

Con: Black House MMA Lacks Wrestling.

While it is one of the most talented training camps in MMA, the one aspect Black House tends to lack is wrestling/ grappling. Coincidentally, Dos Santos opposing coach is a well-rounded wrestler; an NCAA national champion in fact.

Lesnar possess athletic ability and freakish strength, and will arguably be Dos Santos toughest and biggest opponent to date. It's obvious that Lesnar and his assistants will coach and educate his team on wrestling, positioning and control, while Dos Santos might bring in fellow Black House teammate Mark Munoz. Let's face it, Munoz is no Lesnar.

It would benefit Dos Santos' team to adapt to wrestling, in order to compete against Lesnar's team. One suggestion could be former UFC light-heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, who's wrestling is often overlooked. Machida posses some of the most underrated grappling in UFC. However, considering Machida's upcoming bout against Randy Couture in April, the timing might be too late to acquire his services.

Should Munoz be the only available option for Team Dos Santos, they'll have to rely on thier instincts and try thier best to avoid the ground.

Conclusion: Junior Dos Santos Will Be The Better TUF Coach.

After analyzing the pros and cons for each fighter, it is clear that Lesnar has more to learn about and adapt to than Dos Santos. Dos Santos is one the most technically sound strikers in UFC and holds an edge in experience and skill over Lesnar. While wrestling could be the only aspect to affect Team dos Santos, the Brazilian has more weapons at his disposal for his students to benefit from, beginning with his training camp.

Dos Santos will teach his team on timing, distance and technique, while Lesnar will undoubtedly enforce wrestling into the minds of his team. However sooner or later, the inexperience of Lesnar will start to show and not know how to adapt to much else if a game plan backfires.

Lesnar's team might pullout a few wins, but it is Dos Santos' intelligence and experience that will prevail over Lesnar's inexperience to lead his team to success.