The 33rd season of UFC’s reality series The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) features notable coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen. However, it is former Interim Welterweight Champion Colby Covington’s involvement as an assistant coach that has ignited controversy among MMA fans, drawing intense criticism. The Colby Covington coaching controversy on TUF 33 emerged as viewers voiced displeasure shortly after the season’s premiere.
Colby Covington Joins as Assistant Coach Amid Mixed Fan Reactions
In TUF 33, Chael Sonnen is leading one of the teams with support from assistant coaches including Colby Covington, Clayton Hires, Stephen Smith, Jamie Huey, and Mason Fowler. UFC’s decision to include Covington, known for his provocative “bad guy” persona, appeared aimed at injecting drama and attracting attention to the show. Nevertheless, the move has backfired among many viewers who took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration upon seeing Covington coaching contestants.
Once the season began airing and behind-the-scenes clips featuring Covington surfaced, fan criticism quickly spread. A user bluntly declared, “100% not watching lol.” Another commented,
“Damn, gotta pass on this season unfortunately then.”
Several fans questioned Covington’s qualifications as a coach, pointing to his inability to secure an undisputed title in the UFC. One user sarcastically asked,
“He teaching them how to not get a belt or something?”
Additionally, fans mocked Covington’s notorious trash-talking, doubting his focus on skill development. One commented,
“Imagine getting wrestling tips from a guy who trash talks more than he drills.”
Another highlighted an apparent contradiction between Covington’s demonstrated skills and what he was teaching on the show by stating,
“This man has never thrown a ground strike in his career.”
The long-standing question about Covington’s authenticity also surfaced, with a fan wondering,
“Is this the real Colby rather than his fake bad side?”
Since his last victory against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in 2022, Covington has encountered setbacks, including two losses and ongoing legal issues with Masvidal. These challenges have partly influenced the negative fan perception surrounding his coaching role on TUF 33.
Chael Sonnen Expresses Strong Support for Covington’s Role
Despite the backlash from fans, Chael Sonnen has been vocal in his praise for Covington’s contributions as a coach in TUF 33. In exclusive footage shared by ESPN, Sonnen described Covington as a central figure whom the fighters admire and aspire to emulate. He said,
“Colby chose to be a hands-on coach; he’s the dominant force in the room. They want to be like him. Colby could not be any better, he’s worth his weight in gold.”
Sonnen has repeatedly emphasized that Covington’s brash “bad guy” persona is a crafted character designed for entertainment, not a reflection of his true nature. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Sonnen expanded on this, saying:
This is what people don’t know about him. He does all of this on the side. He gives back, he goes to camps, he goes to college wrestling rooms, he goes to the training sessions, whatever it might be. He has mentored and coached many people. But Colby doesn’t want people knowing that he’s a nice guy, so I’m not going to ruin his gimmick.
—Chael Sonnen, UFC coach and former fighter
Known as one of the sport’s original and most skillful trash talkers himself, Sonnen’s endorsement of Covington adds another dimension to the UFC’s strategy of blending compelling personalities with coaching roles on TUF 33, suggesting the promotion values entertainment alongside athletic development.
Impact of Covington’s Coaching Role and Future Prospects for TUF 33
The Colby Covington coaching controversy on TUF 33 spotlights the tension between fans’ expectations for genuine training leadership and the spectacle-driven aspects of modern combat sports entertainment. While UFC’s casting of Covington aims to boost viewer interest through his divisive public persona, it risks alienating dedicated fans who prioritize technical skill and authenticity.
Going forward, the season’s reception may hinge on how effectively Covington balances his controversial image with tangible coaching results. Sonnen’s strong backing could help stabilize Covington’s reputation within the show’s context, but persistent fan skepticism indicates the challenge ahead. TUF 33 remains a critical platform where the blending of athletic mentorship and personality-driven drama will continue to unfold in real time, influencing perceptions of both the coaches and the sport.