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The long-awaited "TUF 31" physical altercation between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was shown on Tuesday and served as a backdrop for what actually happened between the two biggest UFC stars. Despite teaser clips being distributed in promotional packages for weeks previously, viewers eventually got to see what transpired between the two.
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler have been at odds for months, ever since they were announced as the coaches for the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter. The two lightweight stars were expected to face each other in the octagon at UFC 290 on December 16, but the fight has been jeopardized by McGregor's legal troubles and USADA issues.
During a heated exchange in an episode of The Ultimate Fighter, Conor McGregor threatened to break Michael Chandler's nose in the UFC. The reality show's most recent episode aired yesterday (July 4), and it was definitely worth the wait as the two faced up before the Irishman shoved his opponent in the face. The tense situation arose after a battle between Kurt Holobaugh of Chandler and Lee Hammond of McGregor, with Holobaugh winning and giving his 36-year-old team a 6-0 lead. Prior to the fight, the former UFC two-division champion was conspicuously absent from Hammond's weigh-in, and Chandler brought it up to his opponent.
Also WATCH: Conor McGregor thanks fans for their support, vows to fight again following rape accusations
"Stacking them up, baby. Maybe if you showed up for them," Chandler said to McGregor. To which McGregor replied, "I'll show up and break your nose, you little fool, you little Bellator tick, You won't do nothing."
McGregor shoved Chandler in the face as Chandler replied, "I can't f***ing wait," causing the lightweight fighter to start smiling and appear ready to fight as he questioned, "Are we going to do this, are we going to fight right now?" Dana White, the president of the UFC, entered the cage to defuse the situation because he didn't want a fight to start while he was watching from outside the octagon.
Watch the video here:
One of the biggest names in MMA history and a former two-division champion, McGregor hasn't competed since being defeated by Dustin Poirier via TKO at UFC 264 in July. Following Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Miami, he was additionally charged with rape and sexual assault, both of which he denies. He needs to re-enter the USADA testing pool in order to compete, but he has not done so, so far.
Their dissimilar personalities and different philosophies have fueled the animosity between McGregor and Chandler. Chandler is more deferential, modest, and well-rounded than McGregor, who is renowned for his bad mouth, flair, and knockout power. On The Ultimate Fighter, where they mentored opposing teams of hopeful fighters, they also traded insults and threats.
It appears unlikely that McGregor and Chandler would settle their score any time soon, despite their hostility and anticipation. McGregor recently refuted rumours that he wouldn't fight again, but he hasn't provided any new information regarding his USADA status or his legal predicament. Arman Tsarukyan, among other competitors in the class, has challenged Chandler. Fans will have to wait till McGregor clears his name and rejoins the testing group for this potentially huge match.
