Penn Brings in Nova Uniao Founder Andre Pederneiras as Part of TUF 19 Coaching Staff

Famed Brazilian coach and leader of Brazil’s talent rich Nova Uniao team, Andre Pederneiras, has been brought in by BJ Penn to assist in the coaching responsibilities of ‘The Ultimate Fighter 19: Penn vs. Edgar’ reality series.

“I am honored to have Andre as part of the team,” Penn told BJPENN.COM. 

Andre Pederneiras currently coaches 11 active UFC fighters, including Jose Aldo and Renan Barao who both hold UFC titles.

Through the success of his athletes, the Nova Uniao boss has quickly risen through the coaching ranks as one of the worlds best and most sought after trainers and strategists.

“It was a honor to receive this invitation,” Pederneiras told the Brazilian media. “BJ and his brother are really close. He is really excited and motivated with his fight against Edgar. It’s going to be a great opportunity for me to show my work as a coach to the audience outside of Brazil, which is not used to see my work closely.”

Penn will coach the UFC’s hit reality show for the second time in his career. This time, his career nemesis, Frankie Edgar, will be his coaching opposite and the two former-champs will face off for a third time at a yet to be determined event tentatively set for April of 2014.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 19: Penn vs. Edgar’ will debut sometime in January on Fox Sports 1.