Conor McGregor experienced a narrow escape from an embarrassing MMA loss. It was not as a fighter, though, but rather as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 31. His coaching stint against Michael Chandler didn’t go as planned, as Chandler’s team dominated, securing victory in 7 out of 8 fights. With the quarter-finals now behind them, the focus shifts to arranging unique matchups to finalize the semi-final fights.
To discuss these potential bouts, UFC President Dana White convened a meeting with Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler in the recent TUF episode. During their brief discussion, they explored the possibility of a fight for Team McGregor’s sole prospect in the competition, Rico DiSciullo.
Dana White discloses why fighters don’t want to switch teams
In Episode 9 of “Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler,” tensions rise as two teammates face off following the announcement of the semifinal matchups. In this particular episode, Team Chandler’s lightweights, Austin Hubbard and Roosevelt Roberts, meet in a bout that didn’t meet UFC President Dana White’s expectations.
White commented: “Conor’s outburst at the Apex after the last quarter-final fight didn’t sit too well with all the veterans on Team Chandler.”
The season is set to run from May 30 to Aug. 15, with the highly-anticipated live finale scheduled for later this year. Furthermore, fans can look forward to coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler squaring off in a showdown following the season’s conclusion, adding even more excitement to the already action-packed season.
Who was the only TUF contestant to change his coach?
In a cut scene, UFC president Dana White clarified that the fighters have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to switch teams. In the end, Holobaugh and Hubbard decide to remain with Team Chandler, opting not to make any changes. On the other hand, Brad Katona decides to switch teams, driven by his regular training with SBG Ireland and coach John Kavanagh, even outside the reality series fights.
We have a switch to Team McGregor this week 👀 #TUF31 pic.twitter.com/yWe5OWR4iQ
— The Ultimate Fighter (@UltimateFighter) July 26, 2023
“Switching teams for some, could be a difficult proposition,” Katona explained. “For myself, my best position to succeed is to be reunited with my coach, John Kavanagh.”
Katona, who regularly trains at Conor McGregor’s gym in Ireland, firmly believes that returning to the team he trusts will be beneficial for his journey on the reality show. He sees this move as a strategic advantage and hopes it will enhance his performance and overall experience during the competition.
Viewers are eagerly anticipating whether Conor McGregor can reverse his underwhelming record as a mentor and sustain professionalism for the remainder of the season. The upcoming episode promises an exciting matchup as Katona faces off against former UFC veteran Timur Valiev in the second bantamweight semi-final, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the show.
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