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LAS VEGAS – "The Ultimate Fighter 12" coach Josh Koscheck has selected three of his trainers as assistant coaches for the upcoming reality show.
In an interview with MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) at UFC Fan Expo 2010, the top UFC welterweight contender and "TUF 1" cast member confirmed three mainstays from his gym, the famed American Kickboxing Academy.
The list includes former ISKA kickboxing world champ and AKA owner/head trainer Javier Mendez, one-time UFC fighter and AKA's head MMA trainer "Crazy" Bob Cook, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt/AKA trainer Dave Camarillo.
Koscheck and his assistant coaches begin taping "TUF 12" this week in Las Vegas. The show debuts on Spike TV on Sept. 15, and Koscheck coaches opposite UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. The duo meets in a season-ending title fight sometime in December.
Koscheck, who won his title shot and the "TUF 12" coaching gig with a win over Paul Daley earlier this month, said he'll give fans a reason to tune into the competition-reality series.
"It's going to be a great opportunity for me, my brand (and) the UFC," he said. "I think I bring something different to this show than the previous coaches because it's about personality. I bring a lot of personality with me (and) with my group. I'm super excited."
"TUF 12" is a lightweights-only season of the show. As with past seasons of "TUF," which debuted more than five years ago, the winner earns a UFC contract.
A coaching staff can play a pivotal role in cast members' ability to advance in the 32-slot tournaments.
With Team Koscheck, fighters get decades of experience.
Koscheck, one of the biggest stars to come out of the "TUF" series, was a four-time Division I All-American wrestler at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In his junior year, he went 42-0 and won a national championship. His wrestling experience allowed him to find quick success in MMA, and in large part due to AKA, he's rounded out his game with strong standup skills. With 17 bouts in the UFC, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt is one of the organization's most experienced fighters. His current three-fight win streak includes wins over Frank Trigg, Anthony Johnson and Daley.
Mendez, who's been involved in martial arts for more than 30 years, opened AKA after winning two titles with ISKA, including the light-cruiserweight championship on his 18th birthday. His AKA gym, which opened in the 1980s, has become of combat-sports' most productive facilities and is now home to UFC mainstays such as Koscheck, Mike Swick, Cain Velasquez and Jon Fitch.
Cook, who's 5-0 pro MMA career includes a submission win over Tiki Ghosn at UFC 24, is now the head MMA trainer at AKA. He also manages many of the camp's top MMA fighters and is considered one of the sport's most powerful people.
Camarillo, an elite-level jiu-jitsu and judo competitor, began his training and competition before the term "mixed martial arts" had even been coined. The founder of "Guerrilla jiu jitsu," the Gracie black belt today is seen in many top fighters' corners, including those he trains at AKA.
I think this season will have the two strongest coaching teams thats ever been on TUF.
Probably the closest thing to what a few of us have been calling from TUF for a while now,camp vs camp,well trainers vs trainers anyway.
Kos with these guys and I'm sure he'll have more help from other AKA guys if needed,while GSP will probably have Phil nurse as his Mauy Thai coach,his usual Tristar team and whoever from Greg Jacksons.
