TUF Strawweight Contestants React to Pettis and Melendez as Coaches

It was big news when it was announced not only did UFC match Bellator's offer for Gilbert Melendez, but he and current lightweight Champ Anthony Pettis would be coaching the strawweights of TUF 20. Here's what those contestants thought:

Carla Esparza... I think she wants Melendez

"@WestLinnEagleAH: @CarlaEsparza1 lolz I think we already know who team you want to be on" Hmmmm ;)

— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) February 24, 2014

"@curtsaintp: @CarlaEsparza1 I think @GilbertMelendez is a perfect fit for your skill set!! #TUF" Wrestler teaching wrestler.... Hmmm ;)

— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) February 24, 2014

And don't get it twisted, no matter WHO is my coach, I'm going on there to win that @ufc belt!!! #TUF20 #EyeOnThePrize

— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) February 24, 2014

Paige Van Zant's logical decision

Alright I made my choice. Lol I choose team Pettis,Cause he is super attractive and I would be able to focus while he coached for sure;)!!

— Paige Vanzant (@PAIGEVANZANT) February 24, 2014

and some general excitement from the rest

The news is out for #TUF20 coaches, I think I'd be happy on either guys team will need to wait&see pretty exciting😈 pic.twitter.com/P8wP7hlpPR

— Joanne Calderwood (@badmofo_jojo) February 24, 2014

@The_jakethomas I don't personally know them but both great fighters so glad I'm not picking 😜

— Joanne Calderwood (@badmofo_jojo) February 24, 2014

TUF 20 coaches. Time to the little girls show the work!! #ufc #tuf20 #strawweight pic.twitter.com/x4m6NMnk5H

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) February 24, 2014

Coaches for #tuf20 @Showtimepettis & @GilbertMelendez =) @ufc Let's do this ladies!! Show the world how 115lb women are firecrackers!! #belt

— Tecia Torres (@TeciaTorres) February 24, 2014

Lets just say im so freaking excited to have @GilbertMelendez & @Showtimepettis as #TUF20 coaches, well played @ufc well played 😊 #eeeeep

— 'Rowdy' Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) February 24, 2014

#TUF20 coaches !! @Showtimepettis & @GilbertMelendez wow I would be stoked to work with either one of them good work @ufc

— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) February 24, 2014