The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) has reached its 33rd season, with renowned coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen leading the charge. This season has generated considerable buzz, primarily due to the inclusion of controversial figure Colby Covington, a former Interim Welterweight Champion known for his polarizing “bad guy” persona. However, this has evoked mixed reactions among MMA fans.
Many fans appear more critical than excited about Covington’s role as an assistant coach alongside Sonnen and other coaching staff members. Following the premiere of the first episode, social media was flooded with negative comments directed at Covington. Some fans expressed disinterest in the season altogether, while others took jabs at Covington’s competitive record, citing his inability to secure an undisputed title and mocking his previous fighting style.
Critics characterized Covington as more of a performer than a genuine instructor, with comments highlighting the irony of him teaching wrestling techniques despite not showing much ground game during his fights. One user humorously inquired if they would finally see the “real Colby” instead of his infamous trash-talking persona.
Despite the backlash from fans, Chael Sonnen offered a more favorable perspective on Covington, lauding his coaching abilities and stating that many of the competitors admire him. Sonnen emphasized that Covington does a great deal of mentoring behind the scenes, participating actively in wrestling camps and training sessions, often under the radar of public perception.
This layered dynamic of Covington’s persona and his coaching contributions unfolds an interesting narrative for TUF 33, pulling more viewers into the conversation—whether they’re fans or critics. As the season progresses, it may be intriguing to see if Covington can win over the skeptics, showcasing his coaching skills beyond the character he has crafted throughout his career.
Overall, the combination of Covington’s controversial reputation and Sonnen’s praise creates a captivating atmosphere for fans, suggesting that while the initial reception may have been negative, there’s potential for the season to evolve in unexpected ways.