Despite campaign, White says no to Bonnar and Griffin as 'TUF: Live 2' coaches

It looks like "The Ultimate Fighter 1" will be Stephan Bonnar's reality-show swan song.

The light-heavyweight veteran recently made a plea to appear on the 16th season of "TUF" alongside two-time opponent Forrest Griffin, but UFC president Dana White isn't keen on the idea.

"I know that's what he wants," White said. "No. Sorry, Stephan."

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boo

Dear Dana,

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH.

Signed,
Fleek

i think its complete bullshit that he would deny either bonnar or griffin anything that they asked for. if it wasnt for them there would be no ufc right now. but thats just my opinion. i can see on a business angle how it wouldnt be a very good move for dana but still

Wouldn't be the worst option.

I just don't want any title fighters being coaches.

I think I had brought his up in one thread, about maybe retired fighters being coaches or something, but fans probably want to see a fight between the coaches.

Also just a side note on Bonnar, he has strung 3 wins together, hadn't noticed that until awhile ago.

That first fight was a classic but the second, not so much. Even though it seems the two are at the same level of their careers at this point, I'd rather see them in fights with people like Thiago Silva, Rampage, Bader etc.

UFC is running out of stars or semi-stars to coach TUF that haven't already coached and some that have already coached twice.

Wouldn't mind seeing BJ coach again. Maybe comeback season

Sucks. I liked the idea a lot

next coaching gig will be GSP vs Condit. You heard it here first

I ain't watching unless it's a come back season! The seeds have been planted!!!

If I had a say in this, I would have Bonnar vs Griffin as their retirement fight and hold the hall of fame induction - all in one night.

Nobody with a brain wanted to see two ultra-slow-white boys fighting with limited skill...well, maybe Rich Franklin.

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Posted by Bubbles

next coaching gig will be GSP vs Condit. You heard it here first

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God, I hope not. GSP will be fighting with a huge layoff if that happens. That, and it holds up a division with several title worthy challengers already. I want to see guys that have no relevance to a title as coaches. You're probably right though.

It's gonna be awesome when GSP comes back and looks like he never even had a layoff

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Posted by Budgellism
God, I hope not. GSP will be fighting with a huge layoff if that happens. That, and it holds up a division with several title worthy challengers already. I want to see guys that have no relevance to a title as coaches. You're probably right though.

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I agree with everything you said but towards the bottom of the article, you will see that it would probably happen.

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White said he hasn't lost any goodwill toward Bonnar. But he said the casting doesn't make sense.

"We usually bring in guys that are champions," he said. "Stephan and Forrest, believe me, you guys know I love Stephan and Forrest. We celebrate Stephan and Forrest every day. But it's not going to happen.

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The timing of GSP's return would make sense for the next TUF season after the England vs Australia season. JDS/Cain winner vs whoever probably wouldn't make a whole lot of sense (unless it was Mir had he not just fought for the title). Jones has barely been in the sport long enough for me to want him as a coach...but if Hendo wins, maybe a Hendo vs Anderson season with them squaring off (if SIlva beats Sonnen) could be thrown out there. Sonnen (if he wins) would be great for the camera but I doubt he would be a good coach. Aldo doesn't speak English very well and would be really hard for him to communicate to his fighters. We just had the BW champ on. LW may be the only other title that makes sense. Bendo/Edgar winner vs Melendez or Nate Diaz as the coaches would be good.

I could see Condit & Ellenberger/Kampmann winner to get rid of the interim tag on Condit's belt. Maybe because I just don't see GSP not getting injured again.

If they just want ratings and not a title fight, Cerrone & Pettis are popular and could bring Team Jackson and Roufusport coaches along with them and put on a hell of a fight at the finale.