TUF Smashes: Dana White says 'cocky' UK team is 'underestimating' their Aussie opponents

A bunch of British dudes acting cocky? Geddoudahere!

That's the word from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White, who recently told Herald Sun the contestants from the United Kingdom on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF): "The Smashes" were acting "cocky" and perhaps underestimating their Australian counterparts.

"Because MMA is newer here than it is to the United States and the UK, and this happened when the US fought the UK, the US were very cocky and that they felt like you know, `there's not enough good guys over there.' Well that's the way the UK is acting right now and when you underestimate your opponent, that's when you get your ass kicked."

White is referring to TUF: "United Sates vs. United Kingdom" from 2009, coached by Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping. The Yanks expected to cruise to the live finale, but instead had to watch from the sidelines as Ross Pearson and James Wilks claimed TUF titles in each of their respective weight classes.

Could history repeat itself "Down Under?"

UFC lightweight veteran and season six contestant George Sotiropoulos has been tapped to coach the "The Sm-Ashes," a play on the 130 year-old cricket rivalry between Australia and the United Kingdom. His opposing coach is none other than Pearson, who proved he was the "Real Deal" with his season nine win.

The Smashes will air on the FX Channel in Australia and broadcast plans for stateside viewing have yet to be announced. Previous International versions of TUF have streamed via tape delay on UFC.com, but nothing is official at this time.

This latest global offering, which follows a successful debut in Brazil, represents the welterweight and lightweight divisions, with four fighters from each weight class and country (eight total for each side) making it inside the TUF house. Which country will prevail?

Stay tuned.