Just one fight into his UFC career, Justin Gaethje has already been pegged to lead a team on "The Ultimate Fighter."
Gaethje will coach opposite former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez on the upcoming TUF 26, UFC president Dana White told Luke Thomas of MMA Fighting on Thursday. According to White, the first episode of the season has already been filmed.
TUF 26 is expected to act as a showcase for the women's 125-lb weight class, with an inaugural champion being crowned at season's end. As is standard with most seasons of TUF, Gaethje and Alvarez will likely fight at a later date.
"The Highlight" made a smashing debut at the TUF 25 Finale on July 7, knocking out top-10 contender Michael Johnson in the second round of an instant classic. Gaethje is 18-0 in his career with 15 wins by KO.
Alvarez is coming off of a dubious no-contest versus Dustin Poirier this past May that was waved off by the referee when he delivered an illegal knee to Poirier. There was talk of the two running that match back, but it appears the UFC had other plans for "The Underground King." Excluding the NC, he has a 3-2 record inside the Octagon and a 28-5 record overall.
A date for the season premier of TUF 26 and its accompanying finale card have yet to be announced.