'The Notorious' has landed in Vegas: Conor McGregor arrives at UFC Apex for TUF 31 shoot
Conor McGregor fans have reason to rejoice as we are seemingly another step closer to the Dubliner's octagon return. McGregor is slated to feature as Michael Chandler's rival coach in the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
'Notorious', after a hiatus of over a year and a half, has now finally stepped foot at the UFC's home in Vegas. McGregor arrived in style donning a maroon checkered suit and entered the UFC Apex looking bigger than ever. Retweeting a video of McGregor's arrival, the UFC wrote:
"Coach Conor has arrived in Vegas! 📍"
Coach Conor has arrived in Vegas! 📍
[ @TheNotoriousMMA | #TUF31 premieres Tuesday, May 30th | Live on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] https://t.co/uOdAarzCTa
McGregor flew to Vegas along with his family in a private jet, carrying a chicken burger from his Black Forge Inn. Posting pictures from the flight, the Irishman wrote:
"On my way to Vegas to coach a few kids to a @ufc contract. A blessing. A privilege. An honor. My pleasure. Welcome to “ufc with the Mac”"
'Notorious' will be making his second appearance as TUF coach in the 31st season of the show that airs May 30 - August 15. McGregor's first stint as a coach was opposite Urijah Faber at TUF 22 in 2015.
A new Team McGregor jersey will be added to that wall soon 🤩
[ @TheNotoriousMMA | #TUF31 premieres Tuesday, May 30th | Live on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] https://t.co/NjAPi7h7lL
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will battle out their TUF rivalry in a subsequent clash, the date and weight class of which is yet to be revealed.
Beneil Dariush predicts Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor hasn't fought since suffering a brutal leg injury in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Meanwhile, Michael Chandler is coming off a stoppage loss against Dustin Poirier and has gone 1-3 in his last four.
Although Chandler's losses have come against elite contenders, Beneil Dariush believes 'Iron' is the easiest fight for McGregor. 'Benny' believes Chandler's weak defense and lack of energy management makes him the ideal return opponent for 'Notorious'. The 36-year-old recently told Submission Radio:
"Chandler is the easiest fight for [Conor McGregor] to win. I'm not saying he can't win against the other guys, but out of everybody, Chandler is the easiest fight. Mike doesn't use his skillset properly. Energy management, zero with Chandler, striking defence, zero with Chandler... Right now, he just wants to be excited and just go out there and go until you die, which is what he does."
Catch Dariush's comments below: