No Clash Between Sonnen and Cormier at TUF 33 Finale
Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier will not be facing each other at the end of season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). Despite the initial speculation and playful banter, both coaches have made it clear they have no desire to step into the octagon again. Cormier, speaking during the TUF 33 media day, shared, "We aren’t fighting. I told this to Dana [on Tuesday], I don’t want to fight anybody, because he was making fun of us. He goes, ‘Did GFL call you guys?’ I was like, ‘They didn’t even call me because they know I don’t want to fight,’ and Chael probably turned them down. We’re good. I just have no desire to fight anyone." Instead, the focus is on mentoring the talented flyweight and welterweight competitors, with the ultimate goal of seeing the two divisional winners secure UFC contracts.
A Coaching Staff Showdown
However, the idea of a bout between members of their coaching staffs has gained traction. Cormier and Sonnen have proposed a thrilling alternative: a fight between Michael Chiesa from Cormier’s team and Colby Covington from Sonnen’s team. Both coaches are enthusiastic about the idea, believing it would add an exciting layer to the TUF 33 finale. Cormier elaborated, "Chael and I did come up with an idea though, and I don’t know if you guys would be into this… so Chael and I are talking, and we’re going, I have Michael Chiesa on my coaching staff, Chael has Colby Covington on his coaching staff. Why don’t they just fight and Chael and I coach them? That’s about as close as we would both get to getting back into the octagon."
Chiesa and Covington: A Natural Match
The proposed fight between Michael Chiesa and Colby Covington is more than just a random matchup. Chiesa, a seasoned and versatile fighter, is currently on a two-fight win streak, showcasing his continued relevance in the welterweight division. Covington, on the other hand, is looking to regain his momentum after suffering back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley. Sonnen, supporting Cormier’s suggestion, said, "To back Daniel up, I can’t believe nobody’s suggesting that. That’s the obvious fight. I don’t think Colby and Chiesa are going to get through this process without finding one another." The contrast in their recent performances and their reputations as talented fighters makes this matchup particularly intriguing.
The Role of Instigation and Entertainment
Both Sonnen and Cormier are known for their ability to create engaging storylines and rivalries, which is a significant part of what makes TUF entertaining. The idea of coaching their respective fighters and stoking the flames of competition adds an extra layer of excitement. Cormier remarked, "Imagine how much we can instigate them. It would be awesome. We could instigate those for four weeks." The potential for dramatic moments and intense rivalry buildup is high, and fans can expect a lot of behind-the-scenes interaction and strategic planning that could spill over into the octagon.
The Final Goal: UFC Contracts for the Winners
At the heart of TUF 33 is the opportunity for flyweight and welterweight competitors to showcase their skills and earn UFC contracts. The two finalists from each division will face off in the season finale, with the winners walking away with the ultimate prize. Sonnen and Cormier, as experienced coaches, will play a crucial role in preparing these fighters for their big moments. Their expertise, combined with the controversial and exciting nature of the Covington-Chiesa matchup, promises to make the season finale a memorable event for both the competitors and the audience.
A Season to Watch
With the backdrop of seasoned coaches and a potentially high-stakes matchup between Chiesa and Covington, TUF 33 is shaping up to be a compelling season. The combination of mentoring up-and-coming fighters and the added drama of a coaching staff showdown offers something for everyone. Whether it’s the nuances of strategy, the fiery rivalry between Covington and Chiesa, or the ultimate goal of winning a UFC contract, the season promises to deliver a mix of excitement and professional growth. Fans and fighters alike are eagerly anticipating the events that will unfold over the next few weeks, making TUF 33 a must-watch for anyone invested in the world of mixed martial arts.
