Two of the most iconic names in UFC history,Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier,are set to reignite thier rivalry in a unique way—this time as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 33 in 2025.
While the pair never faced off during their fighting careers, fans will finally get to see them go head-to-head in a coaching showdown. The much-anticipated matchup was announced during the UFC 311 broadcast, promising a season filled with drama, strategy, and high-stakes competition.
A Clash of Legends
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Daniel Cormier, a UFC Hall of Famer inducted in 2022 alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov, retired after a trilogy fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 252. Since then, he’s become a prominent analyst, known for his insightful commentary and charismatic presence.
Chael Sonnen, one of the sport’s most masterful self-promoters, retired following a loss to former UFC champion Lyoto Machida at Bellator 222. His legendary bout with Anderson Silva remains etched in UFC history, earning a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Fight Wing.’
The Ultimate Fighter: A New Chapter
This season marks the first time The Ultimate Fighter will feature two retired fighters as head coaches. Cormier previously coached on Season 27, guiding Brad Katona and Michael Trizano to tournament victories.Sonnen, a three-time TUF coach, led Kelvin Gastelum to a championship win against Uriah Hall in a memorable season finale.
Their coaching rivalry is expected to be electric, especially given their shared history on ESPN’s Good Guy/bad Guy, where they’ve built a playful yet competitive dynamic.
What to Expect
Sonnen recently made headlines as Colby Covington’s surprise cornerman during a fight against Joaquin buckley at UFC Tampa. Covington’s loss by doctor’s stoppage added another layer to Sonnen’s storied career. Cormier, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned seamlessly from fighter to analyst.
As coaches, both legends will mentor a roster of rising MMA stars competing for UFC contracts. The full lineup of fighters and additional details about Season 33 are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
This season promises to be a must-watch, blending the wisdom of two UFC greats with the raw talent of the next generation. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cormier and Sonnen or new to the sport, The Ultimate Fighter: Season 33 is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in MMA history.
What do you think Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier will bring to The Ultimate fighter: Season 33 as coaches?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: UFC Legend Frank Mir Talks The Ultimate Fighter: Season 33 and the Cormier-Sonnen Rivalry
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
In the world of MMA, few rivalries have captured the imagination of fans like the dynamic between Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier. Now, wiht the announcement of their coaching roles on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 33, the stakes have never been higher.To break down this historic matchup, we sat down with UFC Hall of Famer and former heavyweight champion Frank Mir, who shared his insights on the rivalry, coaching styles, and what fans can expect from the upcoming season.
Archyde: Frank, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in—what’s your reaction to the news that Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier will be coaching against each other on The Ultimate fighter: Season 33?
Frank Mir: It’s an amazing pairing. These two have been pillars of the sport for years, and they’ve always had this unique chemistry—whether it’s on the mic during their podcast [Good Guy / Bad Guy] or just their overall presence in the MMA world.The fact that they’ll finally square off as coaches, even if it’s not in the Octagon, is a dream scenario for fans.
Archyde: They’ve never fought each other in their careers. Do you think coaching on The Ultimate Fighter will reignite that rivalry in a meaningful way?
Frank Mir: Absolutely. The competition on The Ultimate Fighter is intense, and it’s not just about the fighters—it’s about the coaches, too. chael and DC are both incredibly driven individuals, and they’ll want to prove they’re the better coach. Chael’s known for his mind games and sharp commentary, while DC brings his experience as an Olympian and two-division champion. It’s going to be a clash of personalities and philosophies.
Archyde: Speaking of coaching styles, how do you think their approaches will differ?
Frank Mir: Chael’s going to bring that old-school, no-nonsense mentality.He’s a strategist, someone who’s always thinking a few steps ahead.DC, on the other hand, is more of a mentor. He’s got that ability to connect with fighters on a personal level and bring out the best in them.It’ll be engaging to see how their styles mesh—or clash—with the fighters they select.
Archyde: What do you think this season will mean for the fighters involved?
Frank Mir: It’s a golden opportunity. Not only do they get to train under two legends, but they’ll also be in the spotlight on a show that’s launched so many careers. The key will be handling the pressure. Competing on The ultimate Fighter is as much a mental test as it is indeed physical, and having Chael and DC as coaches will definitely add to the intensity.
Archyde: what’s your prediction for the season? Will it live up to the hype?
Frank Mir: Without a doubt. These two know how to entertain, and they’re going to bring that same energy to the show. Whether it’s in the training sessions,the weigh-ins,or the actual fights,ther’s going to be drama. And let’s not forget—this is The Ultimate Fighter. It’s a platform where stars are born. I think this season is going to be one for the history books.
Thank you, Frank, for your time and insights. The Ultimate Fighter: Season 33 premieres in 2025, and we can’t wait to see how this legendary rivalry unfolds.
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