UFC lovers are gearing up to see Conor McGregor make his long-awaited return to the octagon against Michael Chandler – and it will all unfold on The Ultimate Fighter reality show.
The Irish icon has been out of action since breaking his leg in a mouth-watering trilogy brawl against Dustin Poirier.
McGregor lost his last bout to PoirerGetty
APChandler also lost to Poirer[/caption]
And dates are still yet to be revealed for his highly-anticipated encounter with talented lightweight Michael Chandler.
But first, Notorious will coach a team full of UFC hopefuls and put them to the test against Chandler’s side in one of the most explosive seasons of the Ultimate fighter show.
SunSport has all the information on when it will be premiered below.
When is McGregor vs Chandler: The Ultimate Fighter show?
Negotiations continue for a date which will see Conor McGregor step foot inside the octagon with Michael Chandler.
But season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter will premiere on May 30 and the finale will be on August 15.
McGregor will be making his second appearance on the MMA reality TV show since taking on Urijah Faber in 2015.
There is yet to be confirmation on where McGregor’s showdown against Chandler will take place but it is expected to be in Las Vegas.
What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs Team Chandler will premier on ESPN and ESPN+ which is available to UK subscribers of BT Sport.
A BT Sport monthly pass will cost viewers £29.99 whereas a monthly contract subscription is £18 per month.
McGregor’s fight against Chandler is also expected to be broadcast live on BT Sport.
What has been said?
President of UFC Dana White believes that fans are excited to see this explosive season.
He said: “I think that’s the fight that people want to see right now.
“I think that’s an exciting fight. The fact that this season is on ESPN. If you think about ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ and how long, it’s been around.
“It’s exciting, fun and a massive opportunity for the contestants on the show. It’s a big deal. This is a big season, it’s a big deal.”
White has also revealed that there was almost a bust-up between McGregor and Chandler during the filming.
The UFC President said: “Chandler and Conor were very respectful to each other, and then some things started escalating that you’ll see on the show.
“They do not like each other now. A lot of s*** went down. I don’t look at stuff that’s good for the show or things like that; whatever happens, happens.
Is Conor McGregor retiring after?
McGregor, 34, is hoping to ink a new bumper deal with the UFC and compete several more times before he hangs up his gloves.
He told Barstool Sports: “What do I hope for in this world? I hope for 100 fights.
“I hope for 100 more fights. I’m working for consistency.
“I’ve been having this on, off, on, off nonsense for too long.
“Via fight politics, via injuries, via just life. It does happen.
“It’s God’s plan. It’s all God, so I accept and understand it.
“But I’m excited and hopeful that I can get a nice consecutive run of bouts.”