
Vitor Belfort (20-9 MMA, 9-5 UFC) and Wanderlei Silva (34-11-1 MMA, 4-6 UFC) will serve as opposing coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.”
UFC president Dana White today announced the selections during a pre-UFC 142 press conference in Rio de Janeiro.
The two will coach opposing teams on the first-ever international edition of “TUF,” which in March debuts on Globo, and will oppose each other following the conclusion of the series.
“The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” will be produced by Brazilian firm Floresta and air as part of the UFC’s broadcast deal with Globo. The series is expected to feature 12 taped episodes in addition to a live finale.
While FUEL TV is expected to air the show in the U.S., UFC president Dana White has yet to officially announce a stateside broadcast partner.
When the coaches clash, it will serve as a rematch of a 1998 matchup between the to sluggers. Then just 20 years old, Belfort swarmed Silva in a a UFC 17.5 contest, earning a win in just 44 seconds. Fans around the globe have long called for a rematch, and now – nearly 14 years later – it will finally happen.
Due to the UFC’s landmark seven-year with FOX, FX becomes the new U.S. home of “TUF” in 2012. The show will include live Friday-night fights rather than taped bouts.
White and UFC matchmakers Joe Silva and Sean Shelby will on Wednesday host an open tryout session in Sao Paulo for fighters hoping to land a spot on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.”