It appears that the "Big Plans" UFC President Dana White had in store for Quinton "Rampage" Jackson do indeed include a stint as coach on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
White made the major announcement during the TUF 6 Finale earlier this evening ... kinda.
That's because Forrest Griffin was the coach who was actually officially announced. His counterpart will be revealed during the Video Game Awards broadcast at 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, on SpikeTV.
It's widely believed that Rampage will get the nod, showcasing two of the most colorful and charismatic characters within the organization on national television.
White also mentioned that the two coaches will fight one another sometime after the conclusion of the show. TUF 7, which begins to shoot in January and will debut on SpikeTV sometime in April 2008, will feature 16 up-and-coming middleweight (185 pounds) fighters.
It should not matter that Jackson and Griffin are in the 205-pound class -- there's not a pool of bankable stars at that weight to carry a program that has been struggling in the ratings.
Jackson and Griffin should provide the spark (and personality) necessary to get the mixed martial arts reality series back on track.
Both fighters are currently recovering from injuries in their most recent bouts. Rampage hurt his hand training for Dan Henderson and Griffin underwent shoulder surgery after his sensational upset win over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
It's fair to say that both should be fit at the conclusion of the show next year.
In addition, Dana White promised "significant and exciting changes" to the overall format of the show. It should be interesting to see exactly what changes are in store but until we get the exact details we are left to guess, but hopefully these "exciting" changes will add some life into TUF 7 and the quality of its fights and match ups.
One thing we do know is that with Rampage and Griffin as the coaches this next installment certainly won't be lacking personality.
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