In a shocking turn of events, Volkanovski and Ortega will be coaching the comeback season of “The Ultimate Fighter”. Despite claims earlier this year by the UFC that welterweights would be coaching the return season, the featherweight division will provide the two coaches for this season instead.
UFC President Dana White announced this news Friday to broadcasting partner ESPN. Volkanovski and Ortega were originally set to fight at UFC 260, however COVID-19 protocols caused the bout to be postponed after Volkanovski tested positive for COVID.
Volkanovski and Ortega Coaching, in Surprising Turn of Events
First things first, this move definitely makes sense for the UFC. With Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal headlining UFC 261, there weren’t any other viable coaching duos that really made sense at welterweight. So, Volkanovski and Ortega really are a logical pairing for the 29th season of TUF.
You must also consider the fact that Volkanovski has COVID-19. “The Great” most likely wouldn’t have been making a return to the octagon anytime soon, so why not have Volkanovski and Ortega coach the 29th season of TUF? Furthermore, the featherweight division itself doesn’t really have a solidified #1 contender as of now, so all the more reason to make this coaching duo. By the time the 29th season of TUF has been filmed/aired and Volkanovski and Ortega fight, a clear title challenger should be waiting in the wings by that point. Whether it be Holloway again, or a different contender like maybe a Zabit Magomedsharipov.
Coming off back-to-back wins against one of the greatest featherweights of all time in Max Holloway, Volkanovski (22-1, 9-0 UFC) is now on a 19 fight win streak. With wins over the likes of Darren Elkins, Chad Mendes, and Jose Aldo, “The Great” is truly earning his nickname.
Ortega (15-1-1NC, 7-1-1NC UFC) is coming off of a spectacular victory over Chang Sung Jung (aka The Korean Zombie) at UFC Vegas 22. This fight would feature a new and improved “T-City”, and TKZ would be left guessing the whole night as this unseen version of Ortega imposed his will.
What do you think about Volkanovski and Ortega coaching? Leave your opinion down below in the comments!
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