The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs UK Set For September

[No More Sorrow]

With an official announcement for the The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK series drawing closer, FightBulletin.net can reveal exclusively that the show is expected to air on TV in September of 2012 with an official schedule for the show likely to be released inside the next 30 days.


With weight divisions and coaches yet to be decided, UFC president Dana White on Saturday hinted at the UFC on Fuel TV 2 post-fight press conference in Stockholm, Sweden, that UK bantamweight Brad Pickett, who is under contract with the UFC, could be a likely candidate to coach the UK team.


White was full of praise for Pickett, who picked up a second-round submission win over Damacio Page in Sweden.


”Brad Pickett looked awesome tonight. I couldn’t be happier,” said White.


At the post-fight press conference Pickett mentioned that he would be interested in coaching a TUF team with White replying, “you just might buddy.”


Before any official announcement is made, the UFC bosses must iron out a couple of details, UFC executive Marshall Zelaznik told FightBulletin.net on Saturday night in Sweden.


The major decision for UFC officials to make is whether it will be a UK team or an England-only team facing off against Australia in the show titled “The Smashes.”


Providing it’s a UK team, Northern Ireland fighters will also be allowed to audition.


The only other information that wasn’t disclosed was who would coach the Australian team. With no Australian bantamweight’s currently under contract with the UFC, one must look to 28-year-old Cage Fighting Championship bantamweight champion Gustavo Falciroli, who is based out of Perth, Western Australia, as a possibility.


In February of 2012, Zelaznik revealed at a press conference in Brisbane that a TUF finale would be held during 2012 in Brisbane, Australia.

This is going to be an awesome version of the show, can't wait. This is going to be the TUF that airs in the United States also, next seasons International Ultimate Fighter is going to be in India.

 

[The Cork]

Don't know any Oz fighters really....

Fuck having the bantam guys coach though, nobody cares about them and especially Pickett. Most people watch TUF for the drama, not the fights. Its why Lesnar v JDS season sucked.

 

[Troy]

Not keen on the jockeys coaching the teams. Would prefer if there were fighters from proper divisions coaching but it is tough because there aren't too many Australians fighting in UFC at the moment. Sotiropolous is the biggest name but he is coming off two big losses so I don't know if you could pick him.

I wouldn't be surprised if they make this UK vs. Australia/NZ to ensure that there are enough quality fighters for the show. Any idea on what division the fighters would be?