UFC fighters as coaches on upcoming seasons of TUF

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality series has laid the foundation many times for some of the best UFC rivalries in the history of the sport. An apparatus hosting a variety of characters, the reality show has played a significant role in shaping the UFC roster today.

As the years have passed, fans have grown accustomed to seeing some of their favorite fighters compete as coaches in a team versus team setting. Over the course of several seasons of TUF, the world has witnessed both the calm and rational and also the angry and irrational. From Chris Leben to Conor McGregor, the show has seen some incredible fighters.

Fighters from all walks of life enter the show for a chance at a UFC contract. However, stakes vary, and sometimes even UFC gold hangs in the balance. Coaching The Ultimate Fighter can be a rewarding experience. Here are five UFC fighters that would make great coaches in the upcoming season of TUF .

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#5. UFC welterweight Colby Covington

Colby Covington would make for a great coach for the upcoming season of TUF. The American's brash personality and humor set him far and away from the rest of the pack. Since entertainment is critical when it comes to TUF, Covington and his antics would make for a riveting and funny watch.

Colby Covington offers a built-in rivalry with just about anyone he squares up with. 'Chaos' understands how to implement his nickname, and has successfully gotten under the skin of many UFC fighters. Covington's trash-talk reached a boiling point after defeating Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision.

Following the contest, Covington grabbed the microphone while in Brazil and called the country a dump. Afterward, Covington admitted that threats to his safety came about following the post-fight comments. According to Covington himself, he was forced to cover his face and stay at an undisclosed apartment. Suffice to say, Covington is must-watch when he's on camera.

UFC welterweight Colby Covington isn't just putting on a show for cameras either, the No.1-ranked welterweight knows how to throw down in the octagon too. While he came up short twice against Kamaru Usman, Covington has clearly given the dominant champion his toughest fights to date. Overall, Covington would make for a fun and entertaining coach on the next season of TUF.

#4. UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal

UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal would make for an amusing yet effective coach for the upcoming season of TUF. Hailing from the streets of Miami, Florida, Masvidal has captured the world's attention on multiple occasions. As the owner of the fastest knockout in UFC history, it's no surprise a fighter like Masvidal found his way onto the list.

Jorge Masvidal is an entertaining fighter and a massive draw in the sport. He would make for an incredible coach on the next season of TUF. The former two-time welterweight title contender is on the mend after suffering a rib injury according to former friend/training partner Colby Covington.

Even without Covington, Jorge Masvidal is a viable coach for the next season of TUF. 'Gamebred' is a natural on camera and would sell a season of TUF like few are able to. In the lead-up to his fight with Darren Till, the former 170-pound title challenger sat down with Till and calmly explained his intentions.

'Gamebred' is a veteran of the game and can offer young upstarts a unique perspective on the field of work they plan to excel in. Jorge Masvidal has a knack for entertainment and would make for a viable coach for the upcoming season of TUF.

#3. UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori

UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori would make a great coach for an upcoming season of TUF. The UFC middleweight was tasked with facing Israel Adesanya twice. While Vettori came up short in both outings, the 185-pound fighter proved to be hilarious on the microphone and feisty at press conferences.

With entertainment being a valued commodity when it comes to TUF, Vettori would be a fun and interesting coach on the show. With head coach Rafael Cordeiro in his corner, the young but hungry middleweight is learning to make his way amongst a division packed full of killers. Marvin Vettori displayed great cardio in his latest outing against Paulo Costa.

The fight against Paulo Costa went the full five rounds. While Costa had some success in the brief times they were primarily striking, Vettori ran away with the contest with his constant forward pressure and wrestling. Even after Costa missed weight, Vettori mostly laughed it off like a professional.

The pace of the fight was outrageous, and Marvin Vettori proved he is among the best 185-pound fighters in the UFC. The fighter is known for his zest and angry personality, but knows how to dial things in when it comes to preparing for competition. After showing the type of toughness that Vettori did, surely many fans would appreciate 'The Italian Dream' as a potential coach on TUF.

#2. UFC bantamweight Sean O'Malley

UFC bantamweight Sean O'Malley would be a fun coach on an upcoming season of TUF. With all of the hype surrounding O'Malley's striking style, the 14-1 superstar has put on some spectacular shows. Additionally, the 27-year-old has a unique personality and is constantly interacting with his fanbase. Even in his younger years as a fighter right now, O'Malley could potentially play the role of a coach quite well.

Sean O'Malley has taken the UFC by storm for the most part. After earning a contract with the UFC through the Contender Series, it was clear that O'Malley had an exciting striking skillset.

Sean O'Malley accrued over 6.5 million views on YouTube for his walk-off knockout performance against Alfred Khashakyan. With the rising talent starting to reach younger audiences, perhaps a younger star like O'Malley could ultimately draw a wider range of viewers.

O'Malley has a fan-friendly style that would serve him well as a coach. Fighters respect fighters willing to take risks in the octagon, and O'Malley possesses that characteristic in spades. The young bantamweight has proven himself in the UFC against many unranked foes and will look to stop Ralian Paiva in his tracks on Dec. 11.

The way Sean O'Malley conducts himself is why he would make for a fun coach in a potential season of TUF. Outside of competition, O'Malley has amassed quite a following and is one the more popular fighters on the UFC roster today. With O'Malley's knockout potential and movement, he could impart legitimate wisdom to up and coming fighters.

#1. UFC middleweight Darren Till

Despite coming off a loss to Derek Brunson, Darren Till would be a stellar choice as a coach for a future season of TUF. Darren Till is an exciting fighter but a methodical one as well. 'The Gorilla' is only 28-years-old and has already fought for a world title. Additionally, Till has some credible wins over Donald Cerrone and Kelvin Gastelum.

Till's personality and fighting style would make for a great addition to a season of TUF. Till has struggled recently with injuries which have forced him out of competition. Since Till is currently injured, some believe that now is the most opportune time to take on a coaching role for an upcoming season of TUF.

Darren Till is a funny character and wise beyond his years. While Till's last victory came in 2019, the Scouser has also been on the unfortunate end of at least four canceled bouts in 2020 and 2021. Overall, Till would make for an ideal coach on a future season of TUF given his personality and striking style.

Many UFC fighters qualify to be coaches for the upcoming TUF season. With so many varying personalities, the show continues to be exciting well over a decade after its inception. When it comes to picking coaches, a blend of entertainment and exciting fighting styles are inherent to a thrilling season of TUF.