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Conor McGregor's return to the octagon will be preceded by season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, in which he will coach opposite Michael Chandler. The former UFC double champion recently discussed his rumored altercation with the No.5-ranked lightweight during the filming of the show.
Speaking to Robbie Fox of My Mom's Basement, 'The Notorious' revealed that while he has had a few run-ins with Chandler on the reality series, he still has respect and admiration for the former Bellator champion:
"We had an issue. Obviously, tempers are flaring. It's a f**king hostile thing. There's nothing but respect and admiration. I like his style. He likes my style. We have a good little buzz. It ain't no - that's the way it should be. It's still competitive fire. I'm still going to mince him. I know he’s going to try and throw everything into his shots also, but there is still admiration."
Conor McGregor added that he is excited to lock horns with the American later this year:
"We had an issue once during it and it was all good. Tempers are flaring and we got past it. I'm excited to have completed the competition against him in the show and I'm excited to compete against him now for real."
Season 31 of The Ultimate FIghter will debut on May 30th.
Catch Conor McGregor's comments on Michael Chandler below (4:02):
Conor McGregor's return: 'The Notorious' claims he's too skilled for Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor will make his highly-anticipated return to the octagon against Michael Chandler later this year as he looks to return to winning ways. The Irish superstar recently shared his prediction for the fight.
In the same interview with Robbie Fox, McGregor said:
"For Chandler, I'm just too slick for him. I'm too skilled for him and he's not fought someone like me. I've fought someone like him though. It's the mixed martial arts style. The short wrestler, it's just kind of MMA, isn't it? It ain't nothing peculiar or unsure of. I've fought against that style many, many years."
McGregor added that he plans to show Chandler the difference in skill level between the UFC and Bellator, where 'Iron' was a three-time champion. It is unclear when the bout will take place or which weight class the pair will compete in.
