MMA Junkie, Patrick Cote, and UFC Central have all confirmed that the upcoming season of the Ultimate Fighter Nations, which pits coaches Cote and Kyle Noke against each other, will feature both 170 and 185 lbs. contestants.
Breaking: TUF Nations Canada vs Australia will feature both welterweights and middleweights
— UFC Central (@UFCCentral) June 27, 2013
TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia to feature welterweights and middleweights
MMA Junkie also revealed that the tryouts will begin in September, in both Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Sydney, Australia. Nothing more has been released about the auditions, with additional information expected to be revealed next month.
Patrick “The Predator” Cote (19-8) has come and gone from the UFC for the majority of his career, being something of a streaky fighter. Currently, the BTT Canada member is on a winning streak, including a victory in his debut bout at welterweight against Bobby Voelker. The voice of the UFC in Quebec, Cote not only fights in the big show but also provides French language commentary for the cards broadcast into La Belle Province. Will he be able to put his knowledge and skills together to out-coach and out-battle Kyle Noke?
Kyle “KO” Noke (20-6-1), like his fellow coach Cote, is a fairly new arrival in the UFC’s welterweight division. He made his divisional debut in September of 2012 with (T)KO victory of the durable Charlie Brenneman, but has been sidelined since then with a shoulder injury. A solid competitor, Noke is the only member of his Integrated MMA team to compete on grandest stage in MMA, but will be hoping to impart his well-rounded skillset onto his team. Will he be able to do that and defeat Cote both in and out of the cage?
TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia is expected to air on the brand new Sportsnet 360 and TVA Sports in Canada, and on Australia’s FX network. No US broadcast plans have been announced yet. Stay tuned to MMASucka for more on this and other upcoming UFC programming.