Michael Chandler, one of the most decorated Bellator fighters and a genuine UFC superstar, takes center stage in the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN. The 31st season of the reality series marks its debut on ESPN, featuring Chandler and MMA icon Conor McGregor as coaches of opposing teams. The season will culminate in a highly anticipated bout between the two fighters.
Chandler expressed his excitement for the opportunity, saying, “I have always wanted the brightest lights and the biggest stage. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
The competition has already kicked off, with the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler airing Tuesday night. This season’s structure sees Chandler coaching veterans in the men’s bantamweight and lightweight divisions, while McGregor leads prospects. The premiere episode, filmed in Las Vegas, established the teams and ranked the fighters, with all matchups determined from the beginning.
In the first fight representing Team Chandler, former UFC fighter Roosevelt Roberts knocked out Nate Jennerman in just eight seconds. The episode also drew attention to McGregor’s absence from the Roberts-Jennerman weigh-ins, suggesting that the Irish fighter may have other priorities beyond his coaching duties.
Chandler commented on the difference between their approaches, stating, “I’m the guy who shows up to work on time, the guy who is reliable, and I’ve always got my work boots on. I always want to do more than what is expected of me.”
A familiar face returned this season, with TUF Season Eight winner Ryan Bader appearing as one of Chandler’s assistant coaches. Bader, a former UFC fighter with 15 wins in the promotion, currently holds the heavyweight champion title in Bellator.
Chandler emphasized the importance of including Bader on his coaching staff, explaining, “Mixed martial arts is all over the world, but it’s still a small community. Bader is a friend. We’ve shared the same manager for over a decade.”
The charismatic McGregor serves as the driving force of this season, promoting his first fight in the Octagon since suffering a fractured tibia and fibula two summers ago. Chandler, 36, expressed respect for McGregor, stating, “I respect Conor for choosing to fight me, which I believe is the toughest fight for him.”
Anticipation for their showdown will continue to build throughout the season of TUF, providing a unique prelude to this compelling bout. In the meantime, Chandler remains focused on preparing for the fight, saying, “I’m immersing myself in TUF, but I’m preparing for a fight date this winter.”
