You can enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July without being outside. The latest episode of Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler aired tonight.
Episode 6 of this enduring combat sports reality show showcased head coaches Conor and Michael guiding their teams of lightweight and bantamweight contestants. Following the bout, McGregor and Chandler engage in a heated verbal exchange.
If you missed the episode, you can catch immediate replays on ESPN+ or simply read our recap below to save time.
Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler get into a nasty altercation on TUF 31
Chandler leads a team of seasoned UFC veterans, while McGregor opts for a group of UFC newcomers. Interestingly, it was Conor’s decision to assemble a squad of rookies, and thus far, he has been unable to secure a victory in any of the fights.
Things hit a boiling point between the coaches tonight on #TUF31 🤬
[ Watch new episodes every Tuesday on ESPN & ESPN+ ] pic.twitter.com/yyz5iE7ft1
— The Ultimate Fighter (@UltimateFighter) July 5, 2023
It becomes evident that “Notorious” is deeply frustrated by his failure to secure a victory. Especially against his carefully selected top seed. McGregor asserts that Hammond was in control and accuses Holobaugh of merely relying on luck.
The trash talk escalates, leading to a confrontational face-off between the two coaches. In a sudden burst of anger, Conor pushes Chandler with both hands across the cage. Surprisingly, “Iron” appears more energized than upset by the physical contact.
Dana White swiftly intervenes to prevent any further escalation, diffusing the tense situation. The dramatic confrontation reaches its conclusion.
Is Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight happening this year
An official date for McGregor’s return to the UFC has not been confirmed yet, but there are rumors suggesting December 2023. Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. Where Conor and Chandler serve as coaches, began in May.
Both fighters were taken away from their training camps to film the show during the summer. Which made September the earliest possible date for their respective returns.
However, a delay has occurred due to McGregor’s recovery from an injury and his significant muscle gain during that period. He has not undergone drug testing by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
USADA requires six months of testing before a fighter can compete again, but Conor argues that he should only be subjected to two tests. As of June 2023, he has not re-entered USADA’s testing pool and has missed the deadline to fight by the end of this year.
Despite concerns about a potential collapse of the fight against Chandler, McGregor remains confident in his comeback. As indicated in a since-deleted social media post.
The venue for the fight is yet to be confirmed, but the majority of Conor’s nine pay-per-view bouts in the UFC have taken place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The other two occurred at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden, New York, and UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi in January 2021 due to COVID-19 considerations.
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