Rivals Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz confirmed as coaches for TUF 15

The UFC has decided to go the rivalry route for the next season of TUF by naming Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz as coaches for the reality show’s run on FX in early 2012. The popular bantamweights have fought twice before, splitting the series with Cruz earning a decision nod and retaining his divisional title in their most recent rumble.

“I can’t wait to be the next coach on The Ultimate Fighter,” commented Faber in an official press released from the UFC. “I am looking forward to mentoring a bunch of hungry and talented fighters. The new cast needs to be ready to work hard and learn!”

“Having Dominick coach on the opposite side couldn’t be more perfect,” the proud Californian continued. “I’m not too thrilled about being in each other’s space for an extended period of time, as I am sure we are going to get on each other’s nerves. But I can’t wait to mentally beat him up as a coach, and then literally beat him up in the cage and swipe that UFC strap.”

Faber Doesn’t Believe Cruz is “Dangerous”

“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a gym rat and love learning and teaching MMA. This is a dream come true,” Cruz added.

TUF 15 plays host to lightweight and welterweight tournaments and, for the first time in series history, will feature live fights every Friday night with a two-hour debut scheduled for March 9 and then in sixty minute increments for the following thirteen weeks. The format is expected to be as “real time” as possible with episodes showing highlights from inside the house/gym occurring over the previous six days.

No word was mentioned in relation to when Cruz and Faber will settle their score inside the Octagon but fans can definitely expect things to get heated a time or two during taping given their genuine dislike for one another.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC