The coaches for the upcoming 11th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” have announced their assistant coaches.
Chuck Liddell confirmed today that he hired trainer John Hackleman, former gold medal-winning boxer Howard Davis Jr and Scott Epstein to serve as his assistant coaches for the tapings, which began last weekend in Las Vegas. But that’s not all — Liddell also confirmed the appointment of Strikeforce welterweight champion Jake Shields to his TUF coaching staff.
Shields announced his decision to join Liddell’s coaching staff on popular internet messageboard “The Underground” last week. Given that he’s currently under contract with the UFC’s main North American competitor, it’s very likely that Shields will get zero camera time during the upcoming season, which starts March 31 on Spike TV.
Ortiz tabbed WEC fighter Rob McCullough, former “TUF 3” assistant coach Saul Soliz and Cleber Luciano as his assistant coaches. Ortiz also pledged to hire a public relations specialist to serve as part of his staff and help his fighters understand all aspects of the fight business.
Ortiz also revealed that he’d struck a deal with Spike TV that will allow him to wear his own Punishment Athletich branded gear.