Nelson and Carwin named TUF coaches

The UFC announced that Shane Carwin and Roy Nelson would be the next coaches for The Ultimate Fighter on FX.  It’s expected that these two will fight at the end of the season.

Via UFC press release:

UFC President Dana White said: “This is going to be a very interesting dynamic between these two heavyweights. They both have huge punching power and great chins but, outside of the Octagon, they couldn’t be more different. These two have been going at it on social media for a while and don’t seem to like each other very much, but they are going to be seeing a lot of each other during this series and I guarantee it’ll make for great TV.”

“I’m very excited to get this opportunity. Coaching TUF is something I asked for and really wanted to do,” said Carwin. “I see myself being an MMA coach when my own career is over and can’t wait to start working with my Grudge Training team to help the next generation of UFC stars achieve their dreams.

“I also asked to coach against Roy Nelson. The fans know how I like to conduct myself both in and out of the Octagon, and I respect every fighter, coach, official and fan in the UFC. But I cannot respect a man like Roy Nelson – because he shows no respect himself. He is a keyboard warrior who doesn’t have the guts to talk trash to my face, but now he’s going to have to be in the same room, the same gym and finally the same Octagon as me.

“I know I am a better fighter and trainer than he is. I will prove I’m a better trainer in TUF and then, when we fight, I will hit him harder than anyone has ever hit him and teach him some respect.”

Las Vegas native Nelson said: “When I found out I was going to be a TUF coach I was like ‘Wow me!’ When I found out I was coaching against Shane Carwin I was so happy to get a chance to compete against this guy. As for being in the same room as him, I try not hang out with people that make me feel icky on the inside but, to coach TUF, I will make an exception.

“Shane Carwin can think he is the better fighter and coach, but I will do my best and try to represent the Average Joe and show my team that, with hard work, you can walk away a winner against any fighter.”

In other TUF news, filming for The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs UK – the Smashes™ starts in Sydney, Australia this Monday with coaches  George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson.

Payout Perspective:

Will Carwin and Nelson equate to ratings for the TUF franchise? Nelson seems much more entertaining in his post-TUF appearance than he was on the show.  You may recall Nelson’s season was one of the highest TUF seasons to date due in large part to Kimbo Slice.  It will be interesting to see how Shane Carwin will be as a coach.  Although a popular fighter, most viewers haven’t seen too much of his personality.