From left to right: Gray Maynard, Matt Wiman, Robert Emerson, Nate Diaz, Noah Thomas, Marlon Sims, Cole Miller, Jens Pulver, Gabe Ruediger, Brian Geraghty, BJ Penn, Brandon Melendez, Andy Wang, Manvel Gambaryan, Corey Hill, Wayne Weems, Alan Berubie and Joe Lauzon.
With two former UFC lightweight champions as coaches — and 16 hungry 155-pound talented mixed martial artists — the fifth installment of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) is buzzing.
UFC President Dana White has mentioned numerous times that this is the best season to date, most recently in the Boston Herald.
Here’s a snip from White:
“It’s (expletive) awesome. It’s the best season ever done. It’s only one weight class so there are no friends. Everybody’s going after the same contract. These guys are crazy. The reality is much better and the fights are much better too.”
And, during a recent exclusive interview with Steve Mazzagati, the referee more or less corroborated the statement.
Here’s a snip from Mazz:
“It was awesome, just awesome. Who doesn’t love lightweights? These guys are so fast and the fights are so exciting.”
It appears that it isn’t just shameless promotion — it might actually be true.
And, the cast pictured above — the first I’ve seen of the bunch — has got some nice names, lending more fuel to the fire.
We’ll get our first taste during the season premiere on April 5, which follows UFC Fight Night 9.
Can’t wait — what a great night.
Thanks to Jason at FightStalker.com for sending over the tip.
March 11th, 2007
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Great blog post! I don’t know where you find this shit. How is that dude on the left, Maynard, 155 pounds? Is it me or do the guys on the left side look huge compared to the scrawnies on the right? Whatever, I can’t wait either. And why is Lauzon on a tv show with Pulver?
Like I said before, it dont matter how big them guys look or whos gotta a naked lady tattoo’ed to there butt, these guys will get a rude awakening when they fight the rest of the former 170lbs when they see some fresh meat pop in the lower division.
Oh yeah I’m gonna go with Penn on the fight but for coaching, ya gotta say they both have held championship belts, buts all about the heart of the fighter they through at ya and styles.
Haha look at the guy in the back he looks like some skeletal remains of what used to be ‘muscle’
is penn dropping down to light weight…i love this guy, he’s talented as hell… hope to see him dominate the light weights
hell yeah bj is a lightweight now, and yes he is going to dominate some light weights
Yeah he’ll be lightweight for the show and supposedly one fight then move back to 170. How stinkin tall is that guy on the right!? He looks freakish in there among the rest of the 155lbs. He’s gotta be wheat thin to make that weight.
Unreal and if he turns sideways we wont be able to see him through the octagon cage!! When he turns sideways the wire in the cage is thicker. I think his name or nickname is “The Zipper”. So the lads tell me anyway
yeah that one guy looks pretty tall, and there is no way pulver can beat bj penn
I…might…..have….to…..watch…..this……one. AHHHHH. I’m a Tuf fan, now? I cant live myself. Goodbye cruel world.
With my luck, I will probably be working nights for the entirety of this season. I think its safe to assume the finale will be much better than TUF 4’s. Then again, that isnt saying miuch.
Well they gotta prove themselves on some first round knockouts and shit. If ya ask me my favorite part of any T.U.F. touny is the semi finals cause everyone’s ready to kill just to get the chance to fight on the real deal. Especially now since they got only one winner makes it a lot more cut throat.
nice yellow do rag Jens…..the tall guys getting tapped…im thinking right now its either gonna be matt wiman joe lauzon or nate diaz taking it, but what the hell do i know, it looks like the makings of good tv
You’re right UFCmania - what a great night it will be. Plus, it’s my birthday…
It will be exiting to see penn in action again, I think his team will kick pulvers teams ass. Penn is an extremely talented guy with shitty luck. I think Penn could easily clean out the light weight devision if he actually gets with cardio to match his level of talent. He would also be a formidable welter weight and give gsp a run for his money if he was in really good shape.
If Joe Lau loses, I’d be more friggin’ shocked than when that African Judo dude beat Lil Nog. No way he loses.
Hey, YOUNG ASSASIN:
Are you the real Melvin Guillard?
Should be a great show… I think Pulver is going to be the better coach, but BJ (I Hope) is going to get into good shape for/on the show, and he is gonna mop the cage with pulver. Just based on the genetics I am thinking Diaz will be top guy.
I am looking forward to seeing Joe in action.
Remember your words b/c the tall, skinny guy is gonna kick ass - no need to debate, the truth will become reality on April 5 when Corey Hill reeks havoc on UFC!!!!!
Some of these guys look too fat to be 155!
My moneys on Brian Geraghty! Go DUKE!
Dawm who is that tall guy he is HUGE
Look for Lauzon to take this one…Good luck J-LAU!!!…rep Mass MMA Proudly!!
I can’t wait to Gabe get his ass kicked. I see Nate Diaz doing well. And Karo’s cousin looked real good
Gabe is a pussy
Manny is going to win it all. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.
“With two former UFC lightweight champions as coaches — and 16 hungry 155-pound talented mixed martial artists — the fifth installment of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) is buzzing.”
“and 16 hungry 155-pound talented mixed martial artists”
it should say 15 hungry 155-pound athletes and 1 lard ass pussy who cant cut weight.