It was revealed today, the first day of filming for the 18th season of the Ultimate Fighter, that Meisha Tate (13-4) will now be coaching opposite UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. Kevin Iole of Yahoo.com is reporting that the change was made due to a severe knee injury suffered on May 16th by Cat Zingano, who was originally slated to coach and even defeated Tate for the right to do so at the TUF 17 finale last month. Zingano has since gone under the knife to repair a torn AC and meniscus, as well as other assorted minor damage to the joint. “Alpha” Cat is expected to be cleared to train again within the next 6 to 9 months.
The UFC was impressively able to keep this such a secret that Rousey was caught so off guard upon Tate’s arrival that she stormed out of the UFC training centre in Las Vegas in search of Dana White, fearing that she’d been replaced. After being informed of the situation, “Rowdy” was placated and later told Yahoo.com’s Iole that, “Everyone said an Ultimate Fighter between me and Miesha would be the best. We have a personal history with each other and this is a personal show. For some reason, me and Miesha are intertwined in fate like Ali and Frazier or something like that.”
The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 is now filming, and MMASucka will keep you up to date as to any further developments – including the final cast – as they become available
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