Conor McGregor suffered an early setback as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter but sent a clear message to UFC rival Michael Chandler.
The series is centred around McGregor’s team of MMA prospects facing off against a group of UFC veterans, coached by former lightweight title contender Michael Chandler. McGregor is set to return to the octagon for the first time since 2021 against the all-action 37-year-old, though an official date is yet to be confirmed.
‘Notorious’ is tasked with leading four bantamweight and four lightweight contenders throughout the tournament format, all searching for a UFC contract. Explaining his decision to sign up as a coach for TUF 31, McGregor said, “I’m here to give back to the game, give back to the sport and immerse myself, be surrounded by this.”
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The cameras captured McGregor and Chandler’s first meeting in the gym. Former Bellator champion Chandler admitted his surprise that the Irishman had agreed to fight him for his comeback, making a ‘Mystic Mike’ prediction of a second round KO.
“Keep dreaming” was McGregor’s response as he suggested that the entire fight would be on his terms, even down to the weight class.
“Have I told you what weight it’s going to be? 185 (lbs; middleweight),” McGregor laughed. “You’ll do what you’re told. I’m gonna pin ya, this is my game. This is my game forever.”
McGregor took part in sparring himself as he led his team’s first training session, joined by coaches John Kavanagh,Owen Roddy and Phil Sutcliffe Sr.
The first quarter-final bout saw McGregor’s number two-ranked lightweight Nate Jennerman pitted against UFC veteran Roosevelt Roberts. McGregor missed the pre-fight weigh-ins but was octagon-side as Roberts recorded a shock nine-second KO win, courtesy of a quick-fire combination and hammer fists.
Reacting to the opening defeat for his prospect, McGregor said: “We were all upset for ‘Nasty’ Nate. He didn’t get to show what he has. It’s a big stage and sometimes we rise, sometimes it goes against you. In this one, that’s essentially what happened.”
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