Michael Chandler's TUF 31 coaching against Conor McGregor is not going how he anticipated

Michael Chandler will coach opposite Conor McGregor in the next installment of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). As filming on season 31 of the popular reality show gets underway in Las Vegas, the former Bellator lightweight champion finds the task more challenging than he expected.

'The Notorious' will make his highly anticipated return to the UFC by first reprising his role as a coach on TUF before facing 'Iron' in the octagon later in the year. Chandler has been quite vocal in calling for a fight against McGregor since his first appearance in the UFC, and now just over two years later, he is getting his wish granted.

It’s official everyone. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will coach The Ultimate Fighter!! https://t.co/RURTj4sqgy

While Conor McGregor has previous experience coaching a team of fighters on the show, having won it against Uriah Faber in 2015, this will be Chandler's first rodeo. The No.5-ranked lightweight recently opened up about his experience as a first-timer and posted an emotional message on Twitter about the athletes under his tutelage. He tweeted:

#tuf31 is so much more work than I anticipated. Emotional rollercoaster. I am so much more invested in every one of these athlete’s futures than I ever could have planned for.

Conor McGregor Next Fight: 'The Notorious' details his advantages over Michael Chandler

Conor McGregor may have been sidelined for almost two years but the Irish superstar has not let go of the confidence that made him famous. The 34-year-old Irishman recently discussed his new role as a coach on TUF and analyzed Michael Chandler as a fighter and opponent.

In a recent interview with Oscar Willis for The MacLife, McGregor questioned Chandler's technical ability, stating that 'Iron' is more of an athlete than a technical mixed martial artist:

"He's more of an athlete type of a guy, than a technical martial artist, you know. I know he's got some skills in the wrestling department. Then, he has got some skills overall but as far as the small finer details, I don't think... I'm not sure."

The Irishman continued to predict their matchup and confidently stated:

“I will slice through him in the octagon fight. I think a little slow for him from everyone he has fought; I’m too snappy and webby.”

Watch the full interview below:

Conor McGregor has not competed since suffering a nasty leg fracture in his ill-fated trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The Irishman and Michael Chandler share a similar record of 2-3 in their last five outings, both losing to Dustin Poirier in their last fight.