Conor McGregor is already creating buzz for his return to The Ultimate Fighter this month.
The Irishman is no stranger to creating intense moments once face-to-face with his rivals as evidenced by his confrontation with ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler on the set of this year’s highly anticipated season of TUF. In a clip initially shared by @UFCEurope on Twitter, McGregor can be quickly seen shoving Chandler back during a heated altercation on set.
Conor McGregor pushed Chandler on his FACE 😱#TUF31 is going to be incredible 🥵
🎥 @UFCEurope pic.twitter.com/H0ohroqmMe
— FIGHTING LTD (@fighting_ltd) May 10, 2023
The first episode is scheduled to air on ESPN on Tuesday, May 30, and is expected to run through August 15. This season will follow opposing coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler as they each coach a team of bantamweights and lightweights made up of veterans and prospects.
Conor McGregor’s Status with USADA Could Jeopardize Fight Against Michael Chandler
Once the season wraps up, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are expected to clash inside the Octagon as The Irishman makes his long-awaited return. No date or location has been announced for the contest. Before becoming eligible to compete, McGregor will be required to subject himself to six months of testing through the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
As of this writing, McGregor has not reentered the USADA testing pool, casting doubt that his fight with Chandler will happen in 2023. Following UFC 286 in March, Dana White was asked about the possibility of McGregor receiving an exemption to compete without meeting the six-month testing requirement.
“Have you ever heard of Jeff Novitzky? Ask him these questions,” White said at the post-event news conference. “I don’t give a sh*t about any of that stuff anymore. That’s his problem. I don’t get involved in the drug testing situation whatsoever. I know nothing about it, and I don’t want to know nothing about it. I leave it to the expert. He’s the expert in this thing, and you guys call him and interview him anytime about it.”
‘The Notorious’ has not competed since July 2021 after suffering a broken leg in the first round of his trilogy bout with lightweight rival Dustin Poirier. McGregor has lost three of his last four dating back to 2018.
