On December 13, 2011, during the pre-UFC 142 press conference, Dana White announced that the coaches for the first season of this version would be Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva. The UFC held open tryouts on December 14, 2011. The casting call was for Lightweight and Middleweight fighters who are at least 21 years old and have a minimum of two wins in three professional fights. Of those who applied for the tryouts the UFC invited 350 fighters to participate. The fighters in the season were from the Featherweight and Middleweight weight classes.

• Dana White
• Anderson Silva
• Maurício Rua
• Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
• Antônio Rogério Nogueira
• Bruno Gustavo da Silva
• Matheus Mattos
• Reginaldo Vieira