Will Lesnar benefit from coaching TUF?
But will that ultimately be good for Lesnar? It’s clear why most fighters jump at the chance to coach: The…
But will that ultimately be good for Lesnar?
It’s clear why most fighters jump at the chance to coach: The national-TV exposure (usually) brings more fans, which leads to better popularity, which leads to more lucrative paydays. Additionally, you can advertise your gum by bringing in teammates as assistant coaches, promote any business ventures (such as clothing companies), and of course, get a nice gift from White at the end of each season.
That’s why fighters such as Chris Leben, Frank Mir, Urijah Faber and Wanderlei Silva campaigned heavily for “TUF 13” coaching slots. UFC bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz even offered to delay surgery if it’d mean a coaching slot opposite Faber.
But does Lesnar’s popularity really have that much room to grow? Even if it does, is he going to win over more fans than he turns off? And even if that happens, does it matter?
Past coaches had varied experiences.
Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Rich Franklin, Georges St-Pierre, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and other fan favorites pretty much came across on TV as they do in real life. In other words, “TUF” offered little different, except perhaps for a small popularity boost for already-likeable guys.
However, coaches such as Matt Serra, Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans – who had their fair share of detractors – probably won over a few fans with their upbeat coaching styles and team-first mentalities.
But then you had the likes of Ken Shamrock, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Michael Bisping and Josh Koscheck – coaches who likely won over few fans (and probably soured more than a few of their previous supporters).
The thing is, it didn’t (and doesn’t) really matter. Love or hate them, all of the coaches got exposure. And in an industry in which marketability is rewarded as much as in-cage accomplishments, any exposure is good exposure.
“Love me or hate me, you’re watching me,” Koscheck once said. “Once you stop caring is when I have a reason to worry.”
Lesnar, of course, finds himself in a similar situation. His sometimes-surly public persona and now-infamous post-UFC 100 tirade ticked off more than a few people, White included. But it also left fans buzzing and interest in Lesnar at an all-time high. Nearly two years later, people happily tune in to see Lesnar destroy or get destroyed. Either way, Lesnar and the UFC wins.
So, whether he’s a likable hands-on coach or a grumpy dictator, everyone comes out ahead. That’s why “TUF 13” could be a no-lose situation for Lesnar. Barring a self-imposed gag order, going MIA or ticking off White and getting kicked off the show (a la Ortiz), Lesnar, the UFC and Spike TV all benefit from his coaching spot.