Michael Chandler is excited — he’s about to experience his first-ever “Red Panty Night.”
Earlier today (Sat., Feb. 4, 2023), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President, Dana White, announced (details here) that “Iron” will coach The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 31 opposite the biggest box office draw in mixed martial arts (MMA), Conor McGregor, and then fight “The Notorious” sometime afterward.
Indeed, the date and location for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is unknown at this time. Nevertheless, TUF 31 will debut on May 30, 2023, and run until Aug. 15, 2023.
Chandler reacted to the announcement via social media:
“It’s finally announced,” Chandler wrote. “The cat is out of the bag, Team Chandler vs. Team McGregor coaching The Ultimate Fighter. “[I’m] heading to Vegas here very soon to film in the same vicinity, the same city as my future opponent later on this year, Conor McGregor. My team versus his team.
“The competition starts right now, ushering in these young men or women, imparting my wisdom upon them, and every single fight matters because I’m going to win this competition first of all, and we’re going to make the dreams come true of one of these young athletes to get signed by the UFC and get a UFC contract,” Chandler added. “I can’t wait. Catch it all on ESPN this summer. God bless. I’ll see you at the top.”
Pumped is an understatement. #TUF31 #TUF #mcgregorvschandler pic.twitter.com/lzeyBCEZmn
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 4, 2023
Chandler has been calling out McGregor since his first fight with the promotion at UFC 257, which is when he knocked out Dan Hooker. Then, last year after he knocked out Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 (watch it), he delivered one of the most memorable post-fight interviews … and again he called out McGregor.
Best post-fight call out
“See Ya at the Top”
Michael Chandler pic.twitter.com/dvw9KHJBux— ?????????666 (@666Charming666) June 25, 2022
The 36-year-old is coming off a submission loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 (watch highlights) and will be looking to get back in the win column when he eventually fights McGregor later this year.