Lesnar and dos Santos to Coach TUF 13, Fight for Title Shot

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has elected to solve two problems with one fight, namely its “Ultimate Fighter” program. Faced with the prospect of trying to find number one contender Junior dos Santos and former champion Brock Lesnar a fight, the promotion has announced that the two heavyweights will be the opposing coaches for the upcoming season of TUF. Upon the conclusion of the season, which will begin airing March 30th on Spike TV, Lesnar (pictured) and dos Santos will square off to determine who will face champion Cain Velasquez.

Dos Santos had been scheduled to face Velasquez next; however, a torn rotator cuff will likely prevent Velasquez from competing until mid to late 2011.

“It’s gonna be a very interesting six weeks of filming,” White was quoted saying on the official UFC site. “These two will coach, then they’ll fight, and the winner of the fight will fight Cain Velasquez when he’s healthy."

The announcement ends weeks of speculation as to what Lesnar (5-2) would elect to do next, following his first round, stoppage loss at the hands of Velasquez in October.

The show and subsequent bout will also keep dos Santos busy, who reportedly was not happy about the prospect of remaining idle while Velazquez rehabbed his shoulder for six to eight months. Dos Santos (11-1) was originally awarded a title shot after the Brazilian dominated TUF 10 winner Roy Nelson, for the unanimous decision victory in August.