The coaching duties of Conor McGregor have been questioned after he skipped the weigh-in for the first fight of The Ultimate Fighter season 31.
McGregor, 34, is coaching against Michael Chandler on the reality TV show before they fight in the UFC at the end of the year. The first episode aired on Tuesday evening and Chandler already got one over McGregor as the Irishman's fighter Nate Jennerman was knocked out in just nine seconds by former UFC veteran Roosevelt Roberts.
Before the first fight of the season took place, McGregor failed to show up for the weigh-ins when Jennerman and Roberts stood on the scale to make their bout official. Several of the Irishman's coaching staff were in attendance, such as Doctor Julian Dalby, Owen Roddy and Phil Sutcliffe Sr. Chandler also showed up as the American criticised McGregor for not coming to support his fighter.
"I'm here at weigh-ins and I don't know where Conor is," Chandler said. "To me, the first weigh-in seems like it's pretty important. I don't know what kind of message it sends to your team if you don't show up to the weigh-ins." McGregor did turn up for Jennerman's fight against Roberts as he could be seen visibly frustrated at cageside after his fighter was knocked out.
Jennerman was in tears whilst in his locker room after the fight and McGregor came back to console him by saying: "Don't worry about it, we'll get better now. Back to the gym." McGregor's number two ranked bantamweight Trevor Wells will face Chandler number three ranked bantamweight Timur Valiev in the episode that airs next week.
What were your thoughts on the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter season 31? Let us know in the comments section below
During a preview for a future episode, an extended clip of McGregor and Chandler's physical altercation in the cage could be seen. Chandler can be heard telling McGregor: "Maybe if you showed up for them they would be here" with the Irishman then threatening to break his rival's nose before pushing him. McGregor has played down any serious rivalry with Chandler and insists the pair have respect for each other.
"I'm having a bit of fun to be honest with you," McGregor told the official UFC YouTube channel in an interview released to promote the show. "I don't mind Michael at all, don't mind the team, the lads. There was a bit of hostility at one stage but for the most part it's been a lot of good fun and happy days, I'd do this again, I'd coach this non-stop to be honest."
