In the midst of the ongoing 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter, the spotlight remains on the coaching prowess of Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. However, the recent turn of events took a hazardous twist that left UFC president Dana White furious with anger.
The latest episode of TUF showcased a departure from the norm, with both McGregor and Chandler, the head coaches, undertaking a rather unorthodox challenge: enduring half-hour immersion in an ice-cold water tub.
Dana White slams UFC production team over Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler stunt
This unexpected and potentially risky challenge didn’t sit well with White. The UFC President’s fury was visible as he voiced his displeasure, directing his anger toward the production team responsible for putting the head coaches to such a deadly task.
“It was a huge f****** clusterf*** by the production team that shot this thing. Completely f****** irresponsible, completely a s***show, and both of them could’ve been hurt during this. It was f****** ridiculous what happened during the coaches challenge.” Dana said.
Taking a cold plunge for the Coaches' Challenge 🥶
McGregor and Chandler squared off in trivia on #TUF31! pic.twitter.com/lFPZrAPkJg
— The Ultimate Fighter (@UltimateFighter) August 9, 2023
The controversial incident didn’t unfold on the show rather it was during an interview with Oscar Willis for The Mac Life that Dana White vented his frustration. The UFC head honcho made it clear that had he been aware of the production’s plans beforehand, he would never have subjected his fighters to such a situation.
“Dangerous, stupid, irresponsible, and just completely f****** ridiculous on the part of the production crew that handled the coaches challenge. I was literally f****** pissed off. Disgusting, won’t happen again.” Dana added.
"huge fucking clusterfuck" – Dana White was unhappy with The Ultimate Fighter's coaches challenge, which saw Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler in an ice bath for half an hour. pic.twitter.com/1pl7tyK18Z
— The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) August 9, 2023
Dana White’s latest update on Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight
With The Notorious engaging in a verbal clash with the prominent lightweight fighter Justin Gaethje, suggesting the possibility of a fight, the pivotal question arises: Is Michael Chandler still a contender for Conor’s comeback bout?
Dana seems to have an answer and he also touched on ‘Notorious’s tendencies to play mind games with different athletes.
“Yeah, he’s fighting Chandler. Conor likes to f**k with everybody. You know what I mean? Especially his opponent or possible opponents,” Dana added.
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler?!@DanaWhite has the latest update…. pic.twitter.com/LXdQmQcD8d
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 9, 2023
This affirmation likely comes as a significant relief for Chandler and the fans of both fighters, who have been eagerly anticipating McGregor’s return to the octagon.
However, the USADA question has not received any major update as of reporting. If Conor indeed gets the chance to fight without appearing in the testing pool, then it can set a very bad precedent for other fighters.
