Daniel Cormier Assembles Diverse Coaching Team for TUF 33
Daniel Cormier, the former two-division UFC champion, has brought together an impressive and diverse group of coaches for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 33. Among the most interesting additions is Julius Creed, whose real name is Jacob Kasper. Kasper’s inclusion on the team was revealed on Tuesday, just a day after he made an appearance on WWE’s Monday Night Raw. Known in WWE as Julius Creed, Kasper forms a tag team with his real-life brother Drew Kasper, who wrestles under the name Brutus Creed. Together, they are part of a group known as American Made, which has been making waves in the world of professional wrestling.
Jacob Kasper: A Journey from Wrestling to WWE
While Kasper’s current focus is on professional wrestling, his background in the combat sports arena is both deep and impressive. Growing up in Ohio, Kasper was an accomplished wrestler who went on to attend Duke University, where he became a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler. His skills and dedication to the sport led him to attempt to make the U.S. Olympic wrestling team in 2016. Despite not making the Olympic team, Kasper’s reputation as a skilled and ambitious athlete caught the attention of many, including Daniel Cormier. Kasper had previously joined Cormier’s training camp to help the former champion prepare for a fight against Jon Jones, highlighting the mutual respect and trust between the two.
Balancing WWE and TUF Responsibilities
The question of how Kasper will balance his responsibilities between WWE and TUF remains a bit of a mystery. As a current member of the Monday Night Raw roster, Kasper typically performs on Mondays and Saturdays if WWE is holding a premium live event. This rigorous schedule might make it challenging for him to fully commit to TUF, but his involvement suggests that he is capable of managing his time effectively. Whether he will be splitting his time or making specific appearances to offer his expertise remains to be seen, but his presence is undoubtedly a significant addition to Cormier’s coaching team.
A Strong Supporting Cast of Coaches
In addition to Kasper, Cormier has assembled a formidable group of coaches to support him on TUF 33. UFC veteran Michael Chiesa, known for his strategic approach and technical skills, is another valuable addition to the team. Chiesa brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable to the contestants. Bob Cook, head coach at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), and John Wood, the owner and operator of Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, round out the coaching staff. Both Cook and Wood are respected figures in their respective gyms, known for their expertise in various aspects of MMA.
Specialized Guidance from Rosendo Sanchez and Tiago Beowulf
Cormier has also included his longtime boxing coach, Rosendo Sanchez, and kickboxing veteran Tiago Beowulf in his coaching team. Sanchez, known for his exceptional boxing skills and coaching abilities, will provide specialized guidance in the boxing department, a critical aspect of MMA. Beowulf, a renowned kickboxing coach, will offer his expertise in striking, which is equally important for the fighters to develop a well-rounded skill set.
The Ultimate Fighter 33: A New Chapter
The new season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 33 will see Cormier going head-to-head against Chael Sonnen as coaches, with a group of men’s flyweights and welterweights making up the cast. The series debuts on May 27 on ESPN2 and will also be available for streaming on ESPN+. This new season promises to be an exciting and competitive affair, with Cormier’s diverse and experienced coaching team providing the contestants with the best possible guidance and support. The inclusion of Julius Creed adds a unique twist, blending the worlds of professional wrestling and MMA in a way that is sure to captivate audiences and enrich the experience for the contestants.
