UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski and soon-to-be title challenger Brian Ortega will reportedly be the two coaches for the return of UFC’s “The Ultimate Fighter” program this year.
As first reported by Brett Okamoto of ESPN, the coaches will appear on the TV series and compete together in a title fight once the season concludes.
Volkanovski and Ortega being matched as coaches comes after the featherweights had their title fight cancelled last month. The fighters were scheduled to fight at UFC 260 on March 27th, although COVID-19 protocol forced the bout to eventually get thrown out.
Being part of “The Ultimate Fighter” means the fight will happen significantly later in the year, as a season of television and a fight camp will be completed by both fighters.
Volkanovski defended his belt for the first time in his last appearance, defeating Max Holloway via decision in a rematch.
Ortega is being given the title shot after defeating The Korean Zombie last year. The win was Ortega’s first fight since he lost a title fight to Holloway back in 2018.