Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler to coach TUF

Twitter reacts Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson TUF announcement.

On Saturday morning UFC president Dana White confirmed that former UFC double champion Conor McGregor would return to the Octagon to face Michael Chandler after the pair finishes coaching The Ultimate Fighter season 31. The date and location of their fight is not announced yet, but will take place sometime after August 2023.

This confirms the news that both fighters hinted at on their own social media.

“This is a snap from the original ultimate fighter house,” McGregor wrote under a photo of himself. “Where I coached vs urijah faber. This photo was just before the show tho. It was right before I won my first world title beating urijah team mate chad mendes around. I then went on to coach the famous fight show straight after the fight. With a big black eye and a gash, my tricolor, and my new and first ever ufc gold belt, I waltzed into the notorious fight gym in Las Vegas. The slickest suits and shouts the show had ever seen before. On top of the silverware. And I coached my team to victory. Crazy. Some journey. I have just been offered to coach this role again. I like it. It is full immersion which is needed. I see fighters lining up.I know whats ahead I been ready motherfuckers.”

Chandler took to social media to share his thoughts on the announcement writing, “Pumped is an understatement… See you at the top!”

TUF will be coached by McGregor and Chandler and not Tony Ferguson

At one point there was a thought that Tony Ferguson could coach alongside McGregor due to a post he made, but that turned out to not come to fruition.

“I’ve Been Asked To Coach On TUF Against Ol’e Fathead, or Anyone Of My Choosing If That Cake-Eatin’ Sum’Bish’ Wouldn’t Show *mack*   What A Vagina   I’m Always Ready Anytime Anywhere,..   I Choose You McKnacker   @thenotoriousmma See Ewe  Soon- Thee Champ   -CSO-   # My Mat,” Ferguson tweeted along with several emojis just a day after McGregor made his announcement.

According to White, TUF 31 will debut on May 30 on ESPN and ESPN+, with the conclusion of the season set for Aug. 15 with weekly episodes airing on Tuesdays.

This will be McGregor’s second time coaching, his first appearance came in season 22. This will be Chandler’s first appearance.