DAN HENDERSON is still in the running to be a coach on the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter, SunSport can exclusively reveal.

The former Pride FC champion will face Rich Franklin at UFC 93 in Dublin on January 17 after the UFC confirmed details of their first-ever show in the Irish Republic.

But UFC insiders revealed Hendo is in pole position to claim the role of coach for Team USA despite his clash with Franklin.

And speculation Brazilian Anderson Silva could be in the frame to be America’s team captain has also been refuted.

A source told SunSport: “The UFC have yet to decide on who the two coaches for season 9 of TUF will be.

“But it WILL be two middleweight fighters – although Anderson Silva is not in their thoughts right now.

“It will very likely be an American who gets the coach’s role for Team USA and Dan Henderson is in the mix.

“The show doesn’t get produced until late January – which is after his clash with Rich Franklin – and that keeps him in contention for the role.

“But anyone fighting on the card in Dublin could be a coach.”

SunSport understands Michael Bisping is tipped to head up the UK team – regardless of the outcome of his UFC 89 clash with Chris Leben.

And if Henderson turns down the opportunity to captain the American team, Franklin could be offered the chance to step in following his previous appearance as a coach on TUF 2 in 2005.