Conor McGregor to Coach on TUF 31: All You Need to Know
Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, has been out of action since his devastating ankle injury at UFC 264.1
Fans have been eagerly waiting for his return to the octagon, and it seems like they won’t have to wait much longer. McGregor is all set to coach on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 31, which is set to go live on May 31.
The show will feature two teams of fighters coached by McGregor and Michael Chandler, a former Bellator lightweight champion and UFC veteran. Chandler will have the experienced UFC veteran and Bellator heavyweight champ, Ryan Bader, and Kill Cliff FC coaches Jason Strout and Greg Jones in his coaching team.
McGregor, on the other hand, will have his Straight Blast Gym (SBG) coaches John Kavanagh and Owen Roddy on his team.
Table of Contents
What is TUF?
The Ultimate Fighter is a reality television series and competition that features up-and-coming MMA fighters living and training together in a house, while competing in a tournament-style format for a UFC contract.
View this post on Instagram
Each season features two coaches who are usually high-profile fighters in the UFC. The coaches lead their teams of fighters through a series of challenges and fights, culminating in a live finale where the two finalists face off in the Octagon.
Why is TUF 31 significant for McGregor?
McGregor’s appearance on TUF 31 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marks his return to the UFC after almost a year of absence. Secondly, it is an opportunity for him to showcase his coaching skills and mentor young fighters. McGregor has always been vocal about his passion for coaching, and this is an opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities.
Thirdly, it is an opportunity for McGregor to build his brand and remain relevant in the sport while he recovers from his injury. As one of the biggest superstars in the sport, McGregor’s presence on the show is expected to attract a lot of attention from fans and media.
What can we expect from McGregor on TUF 31?
McGregor is known for his flamboyant personality and trash-talking antics. While he has toned down his rhetoric in recent years, fans can expect him to bring his A-game when it comes to coaching and motivating his team of fighters.
McGregor is a highly skilled fighter with an impressive record, and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to the young fighters on his team.
Also Read: Sergei Pavlovich’s (UFC Heavyweight) Religion, Ethnicity, Marriage, Family Tree, Parents
When Will Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler Fight?
Conor McGregor is a name that needs no introduction in the MMA world. He has been one of the most popular and successful fighters in the UFC, and fans are always eager to see him back in the octagon. One of the most highly anticipated fights for Conor McGregor is against Michael Chandler.2
Confirmed: Welterweight Bout
Firstly, Conor McGregor confirmed that the bout will take place at welterweight. It is worth noting that Conor has previously competed at 170 lbs thrice, once against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246 and twice against Nate Diaz at UFC 196 and UFC 202 respectively.
This means that Conor will be familiar with the weight class, which could potentially work in his favor.
Potential Timeline for the Bout
During an appearance on “The MMA Hour” hosted by Ariel Helwani, Conor provided a potential timeline for the bout. He stated, “You know we’re gearing up, there is a lot going on behind the scenes and all but I feel it will move fast.
There is no issue why it shouldn’t move fast. I assume (the Chandler fight will happen) late summer, maybe a little bit later depending (on the result). I would like that.”
It is clear that Conor is eager to fight Chandler and believes that there is no reason why the bout should not happen quickly. He also suggested that the fight could take place in late summer, which would be an exciting prospect for MMA fans.
USADA Protocols
However, before the fight can happen, Conor must deal with the USADA protocols. While the anti-doping agency revealed that Conor must abide by all the necessary protocols before he can fight, McGregor disagreed. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved, but fans will undoubtedly be hoping that it is sorted out quickly.
McGregor vs Chandler: The Latest on the Date and Venue
- The highly anticipated UFC matchup between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has been the talk of the town for many mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts. Fans are eager to know the latest updates on when and where the fight will take place.
- As of the moment, no official date has been announced for the McGregor vs Chandler fight. However, we can expect the earliest possible date for this fight to be in September 2023. Fans are eagerly anticipating this fight as both fighters are known for their impressive fighting skills and ferocious spirit inside the octagon.
- The Ultimate Fighter is a popular MMA reality TV show that has been instrumental in producing some of the UFC’s top fighters. In Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, both Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will serve as coaches for their respective teams.
- The show is set to begin in May, and both fighters will be away from their respective training camps to film the show. As a result, their preparations for the fight will be in the summer.
- During McGregor’s recovery period from his injury, he has reportedly gained significant weight. There are concerns that this could impact his performance in the octagon. Another possible delay could be the fact that McGregor has not undergone any drug testing by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
How long would a fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler last? ???? pic.twitter.com/kft0nO13VK
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) November 8, 2021
- This lack of testing could result in further postponement of the fight until all necessary drug testing protocols have been met.
- Another important question that MMA fans are asking is where the McGregor vs Chandler fight will take place. While there is no official announcement yet, several potential venues are being considered.
- The fight could take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, which has hosted many high-profile UFC fights in the past. Another possibility is the Madison Square Garden in New York City, which has also been a popular venue for combat sports events.
Also Read: Jorge Masvidal Net worth 2023: Salary, UFC Stats, Family, Career, More
Conor McGregor: The Early Years of the UFC Superstar
Conor Anthony McGregor was born on July 14, 1988, in Dublin, Ireland, to Tony and Margaret McGregor. Growing up in the tough working-class neighborhood of Crumlin, McGregor initially showed a keen interest in soccer before transitioning to boxing, which gave him an outlet to channel his aggression.3
From ages 11 to 17, McGregor trained at the Crumlin Boxing Club, where he became a Dublin Novice Champion.
As a young adult, McGregor began to explore mixed martial arts (MMA) under the tutelage of John Kavanagh. While working as an apprentice plumber, McGregor began to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter, despite his parents’ objections.
Training in MMA proved to be a turning point for McGregor. His natural talent and dedication quickly set him apart, and he began to climb the ranks of the sport. Here is a closer look at Conor McGregor’s early life and how he went from a young boy playing soccer to one of the most famous UFC fighters in history.
From Soccer to Boxing: McGregor’s Early Athletic Endeavors
As a child, McGregor was an avid soccer player. However, after some time, he discovered a passion for boxing that he had never felt before. He joined the Crumlin Boxing Club at the age of 11 and quickly made a name for himself, showing exceptional skills and dedication.
McGregor’s hard work paid off when he won the Dublin Novice Championship at the age of 16. He continued to train at the club until he was 17, at which point he began to explore other athletic pursuits.
The Move to Mixed Martial Arts
It wasn’t long before McGregor discovered his next passion: mixed martial arts. He began to train under John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym, where he quickly established himself as a rising star.
McGregor’s talent and drive helped him to quickly climb the ranks in the MMA world. His flashy fighting style and confident persona soon caught the attention of UFC President Dana White, who offered McGregor a contract in 2013.
From Apprentice Plumber to Professional Fighter
While he was training in MMA, McGregor worked as an apprentice plumber. However, he knew that his true passion lay in fighting, and he made the decision to pursue it full-time, despite his parents’ objections.
In 2008, McGregor made his professional MMA debut, and it wasn’t long before he began to make a name for himself in the sport. By 2013, he had signed with the UFC, and his star continued to rise with each subsequent fight.
McGregor’s meteoric rise to fame and fortune is a testament to his hard work and dedication. From his early days playing soccer to his current status as a UFC superstar, Conor McGregor has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
With his natural talent, fierce determination, and larger-than-life personality, McGregor has become one of the most iconic fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.
Conor McGregor’s Journey to Becoming a Professional MMA Fighter
Conor McGregor is a name that has become synonymous with mixed martial arts (MMA). His rise to fame in the world of MMA is nothing short of spectacular, as he has become one of the most recognizable faces in the sport.
Early MMA Career
On March 9, 2008, McGregor had his first professional MMA bout as a lightweight. He won the fight with a second-round TKO against Gary Morris.
After this initial success, he won his next fight against Mo Taylor, which set the stage for his featherweight debut. Unfortunately, McGregor lost his featherweight debut via kneebar against submission specialist Artemij Sitenkov.
Despite this setback, McGregor bounced back with a victory at featherweight in his next bout against Stephen Bailey. However, after this fight, McGregor contemplated pursuing a different career path. It was only when his mother contacted his coach, John Kavanagh, that he was reinvigorated to continue his pursuit of mixed martial arts.
The Road to Success
After this initial setback, McGregor continued to train and improve his skills. In 2011, he won the Cage Warriors featherweight and lightweight titles, which brought him to the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
McGregor made his UFC debut in 2013, and his star continued to rise. He won his first five fights in the UFC, including a victory over Chad Mendes to claim the interim featherweight title.
McGregor’s next fight was against the reigning featherweight champion, José Aldo, in what was billed as one of the biggest fights in UFC history. McGregor knocked Aldo out in just 13 seconds to become the undisputed featherweight champion.
McGregor’s success continued as he moved up in weight class to take on Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title. McGregor won the fight via TKO in the second round to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
Facts
- Chandler is a former Bellator Lightweight Champion: Michael Chandler is a former Bellator Lightweight Champion and has a record of 22 wins and 6 losses in his MMA career. He has also fought in the UFC and made his debut in 2020.
- McGregor is a former two-division UFC Champion: Conor McGregor is a former two-division UFC Champion, having held both the featherweight and lightweight titles. He has a record of 22 wins and 6 losses in his MMA career.
- McGregor has not fought since January 2021: McGregor’s last fight was against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 in January 2021, where he suffered a TKO loss. He has since been recovering from a leg injury.
- Chandler’s last fight was in May 2021: Chandler’s last fight was against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 in May 2021, where he lost via TKO. He is currently ranked #4 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
- McGregor and Chandler have exchanged words on social media: McGregor and Chandler have exchanged words on social media, with Chandler challenging McGregor to a fight in a recent tweet. McGregor responded by saying he would “be prepared for anything”.
- A potential fight between McGregor and Chandler would be highly anticipated: A potential fight between McGregor and Chandler would be highly anticipated, as both fighters are known for their striking abilities and aggressive fighting styles.
- Chandler has praised McGregor’s fighting skills: Chandler has praised McGregor’s fighting skills in past interviews, calling him “one of the best in the world”. He has also said that he would be willing to fight McGregor in a catchweight bout.
- There is no official confirmation of a McGregor vs. Chandler fight: While there have been rumors of a potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight, there is no official confirmation of the matchup. Fans will have to wait and see if the two fighters will step into the octagon together.
FAQ’S
Q: When will Conor McGregor face Michael Chandler?
A: There is no official announcement of a fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler at this time.
Q: Is there a possibility of a fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler at the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale?
A: There is currently no information available on whether or not Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will fight at the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale.
Q: When is the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale scheduled to take place?
A: The date for the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale has not been officially announced yet.
Q: Who else will be fighting at the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale?
A: The official fight card for the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale has not been released yet.
Q: Where can I find updates on the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale and a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler?
A: You can follow the official UFC website and social media channels for updates on the Ultimate Fighter 31 Finale and any potential fights, including one between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler if it gets announced.
Read More: Is Chael Sonnen (UFC Fighter) in Jail? Murder Case And Charges Update
