And so it begins.
Filming is now underway for the twelfth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" (TUF), the Spike TV reality series that welcomes a group of aspiring fighters to the UFC by way of exhibition-style elimination fights that are a conduit to a live Finale and of course, a "six-figure" contract.
Who among this season's 28 lightweight contestants will make it to the promised land? Well, that could depend on the tutelage from newly-appointed coaches, reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre and nemesis Josh Koscheck.
Joining "Rush," who hasn't seen the TUF camera's since his season four cameo, will be assistant coaches Firas Zahabi (MMA), Phil Nurse (Muay Thai), Jean-Charles Skarbowsky (Muay Thai), John Danaher (BJJ) and Shawn Williams (BJJ).
Countering that all-star line-up will be Team "Kos," staffed by Bob Cook (MMA), Daniel Cormier (Wrestling), Javier Mendez (Kickboxing), Dave Camarillo (BJJ) and Teddy Lucio (Boxing).
Koscheck of course made a name for himself in the inaugural season, where he lost to Diego Sanchez (as a middleweight) by split decision in the show's semifinals. He returns as coach after defeating Paul "Semtex" Daley at UFC 113 to cement his status as welterweight number one contender.
TUF 12 will film for six weeks and air this fall (Sept. 15) immediately following UFC Ultimate Fight Night 22 at 10 p.m. ET on Spike TV. St. Pierre and Koscheck will battle it out for GSP's 170-pound gold following the live Finale at an event to be named.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more TUF 12 news as it develops.
Get the latest gear
