Urijah Faber
Faber and Wineland focused on getting title shot, open to coaching “The Ultimate Fighter.”
Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland are focused on their UFC 128 match up, but both are also eyeing a title shot against champion Dominick Cruz and would be open to coaching “The Ultimate Fighter 14.”
The fight between Faber and Wineland will likely crown the top contender in the 135-pound division, and that could lead to a coaching job on the popular Spike TV reality show.
Faber doesn’t think the “TUF 14” coaching job is on the line at UFC 128, but wouldn’t turn down the opportunity if it presented itself.
“I feel like this is the shot to get a title shot, which is more important to me,” said Faber. “The reality show thing would be great, but my focus is getting that belt.”
“I’d love to coach on the show,” added the former featherweight champ. “I think that would put me out until about December. It would be a trade-off, of course, but it’s a great marketing tool, and I think it would be an awesome experience. But, again, it depends on what those guys are thinking because I have zero say in it. Even if I didn’t want to do it, I’d be doing it anyways, but I’d love to do it.”
Former bantamweight titleholder Wineland agreed with Faber’s assessment.
“My thoughts are basically with Urijah’s. I want what he wants, and he wants what I want,” said Wineland. “What we both want is that belt. If the ‘TUF 14’ coach position arises in the midst of it, than so be it. I’d be happy to do it.”
“Right now, my focus is on Urijah and then that belt.”
Last week, the UFC announced that bantamweights and featherweights would be trying out for TUF 14. The tryouts begin March 19 in New Jersey.
UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on March 19, and is headlined by the light heavyweight title bout between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Jon Jones.
