The reality show that launched the careers of some of the UFC’s best fighters is back for it’s 16^th season as heavyweight contenders Shane Carwin and Roy “Big Country” Nelson serve as coaches for a handful of aspiring welterweights hoping to become the next Ultimate Fighter.

From a pool of 32 170lbers, only 16 will make it into the house and will be divided amongst the two teams, Team Carwin and Team Lesnar.

The previous season featured UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber as the head coaches to aspiring lightweight fighters. Team Faber’s Michael Chiesa went on to win the competition, defeating teammate Al Iaquinta in the season finale last June.

Team Carwin will feature a handful of coaches including UFC fighters Pat Barry, Duane Ludwig as striking coaches while Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nate Marquardt will serve as the Jiu-jitsu coach. Team Nelson on the other hand will feature former Strikforce champion and UFC welterweight contender Nick Diaz, UFC lightweight contender Nate Diaz, and Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez.

Carwin and Nelson are expected to face off at the end of the season finale on December 15. Carwin will be coming off a long layoff due to injury. His last fight was back in June of 2011, against Junior Dos Santos. Nelson on the other hand is coming off a 51 second KO win over Dave Herman just last May.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 16 Participants:

Dom Waters

 Kevin Nowaczyk

Michael Hill

Lev Magen

Bristol Marunde

 George Lockhart

Mike Ricci

 Jason South

Julian Lane

Diego Bautista

Igor Araujo

Cortez Coleman

James Chaney

Jerel Clark

Cameron Diffley

Zane Kamaka

Neil Magny

Frank Camacho

Jon Manley

Ricky Legere Jr.

Colton Smith

Jesse Barrett

Matt Secor

Max Griffin

Eddy Ellis

David Michaud

Joey Rivera

Saad Awad

Nic Herron-Webb

Tim Ruberg

Sam Alvey

Leo Kuntz

Catch the season premiere of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson this Wednesday, September 19 on Balls, Sky Cable Channel 34!