The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN is McGregor vs Chandler – The highly anticipated return of The Ultimate Fighter could be the biggest in the show’s history, as former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor and No. 5 ranked lightweight contender Michael Chandler go head-to-head as coaches – and the only place to see it all is on ESPN.
The entire 12-episode season of TUF 31 will be available exclusively on ESPN, with Episode One premiering Wednesday May 31 at 12.30pm AEST.
New episodes will premiere every Wednesday, dropping at the same time as the United States, and viewers will also enjoy a primetime re-airing as well as on-demand viewing.
The show will feature a dynamic cast consisting of both returning veterans and up and coming prospects in the men’s bantamweight and lightweight divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside for the chance to pursue their UFC dreams.
The 31st season of “The Ultimate Fighter” features a coaching matchup between former two-division champion Conor McGregor and one-time lightweight title contender Michael Chandler, a former Bellator champ.
Former UFC double champion McGregor (22-6), considered by many to be the sport’s biggest star, returns to The Ultimate Fighter after previously serving as a couch on TUF 22.
McGregor will look to impart skills and experience that has earned him victories over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez, Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.
McGregor now has his sights set on beating Chandler as a coach and building momentum towards their inevitable match later this year.
Chandler (23-8) is a favourite amongst fight fans for his dynamic fighting style and captivating personality. No stranger to a highlight reel finish, Chandler stunned fans with spectacular stoppages over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson.
He now plans on adding a successful TUF coaching season to his resume on the way to defeating McGregor.
Produced by Lionsgate’s Pilgrim Media Group, The Ultimate Fighter is the iconic reality television series that has introduced millions of new and die-hard fans to future UFC champions and top contenders.
“The Ultimate Fighter” was an instrumental force during the UFC’s explosion of popularity in the early 2000’s, shining a spotlight on fighters such as Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock, who coached MMA hopefuls in a season-long competition in which the participants shared a house for several weeks.
Over the course of 30 seasons that show has produced several UFC champions: Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Michael Bisping, Kamaru Usman, Robert Whittaker, TJ Dillashaw and Rose Namajunas, as well as stars Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson and Diego Sanchez.
New episodes of The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs Team Chandler will premiere each Wednesday exclusively on ESPN and will also be made available on-demand.
The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN
Wednesday May 31
12.30pm AEST, The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs Team Chandler, ESPN (Premiere)
7.30pm AEST, The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs Team Chandler, ESPN (Primetime Premiere)
ESPN and ESPN2 are available on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, and SKY NZ.
Media Release – ESPN
Link to ESPN HERE
TV Central ESPN content HERE
