Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier to coach next season of The Ultimate Fighter

The Ultimate Fighter is set to return with two of the sport's most decorated veterans in the opposite corners, as the UFC has announced Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will serve as head coaches for the upcoming season, with the premiere scheduled for June 14.

Bisping, nicknamed "The Count," brings a 30-9-0 professional record and a storied legacy to the coaching role. The 47-year-old from England stands six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach and built his career on relentless forward pressure, averaging 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute across his UFC run. He became the first British fighter to win a UFC championship when he captured the middleweight title, cementing his place among the promotion's most iconic figures.

Daniel Cormier, known universally as "DC," compiled a 22-3-0 record over a career that saw him hold titles in two separate weight classes. Also 47, Cormier stands five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach and was one of the most well-rounded fighters of his generation, posting a striking accuracy of 52 percent and averaging 1.83 takedowns per 15 minutes. His wrestling-driven style made him a dominant force at both light heavyweight and heavyweight.

Why it matters

• Both men are former UFC champions and bring championship-level experience to their respective teams
• Bisping and Cormier are established media personalities, lending the new season significant name recognition
• Their contrasting styles — Bisping's volume striking versus Cormier's wrestling-based approach — should create a compelling coaching dynamic on screen
• The June 14 premiere date gives the new season a clear launch window as UFC on Paramount continues to expand its programming