Tag: Carlos Vera

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler’ Episode 5 recap: A ‘diva’ and ‘unfinished fights’ spark frustration

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler” returned as internal frustration built among one team, and Conor McGregor lost his cool.

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler” returned Tuesday for Episode 5 as the anger begins to mount internally on one team – and externally through the second team’s coach.

On Episode 5, the matchup between [autotag]Brad Katona[/autotag] and [autotag]Carlos Vera[/autotag] finally happens after a disagreement and negotiations between coaches from each team pertaining to the weight class.

The season runs from May 30 to Aug. 15 with the live finale expected for later this year. The promotion also intends for coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] to square off in the months that follow the conclusion of the season.

Scroll below for a recap of Episode 5 and make sure to check out an exclusive insider look from “TUF 31” cast member Kurt Holobaugh, who will peel back the curtain on MMA Junkie the morning after each episode airs.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’ rosters revealed, includes eight former UFC fighters

Check out the 16 fighters who made the cut for “TUF 31” – including eight former UFC fighters.

“The Ultimate Fighter” is back for a 31st season, which will be coached by lightweight stars [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag].

Set to debut May 30 on ESPN and run until Aug. 15, the series will include men’s bantamweights and lightweights, as first reported on MMA Junkie’s “Spinning Back Clique.” Filming began in February in Las Vegas.

McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) and Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will square off after the conclusion of the series at a date and location yet-to-be-determined.

In addition to an announcement of rosters Saturday, the promotion announced the upcoming season will have a theme of “Redemption,” which pins former UFC fighters against rising prospects.

Dozens of fighters applied and only 16 were selected. Scroll below to see who made the cut.

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with September wins

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey starts long before they strap on UFC or Bellator gloves.

Every champion in MMA history started out somewhere.

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey begins long before they strap on UFC, Bellator, or PFL gloves. Modern-era fighters progress through the regional ranks with hopes of accomplishing the highest accolades. Many will try, few will succeed.

This month, five fighters on the verge of achieving major promotion notoriety – one for the second time – return to the cage for what could be their stepping stone fight. There are dozens of fighters close to making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.

This month:

  • An under-the-radar New Englander thinks a major regional promotion’s title will help catch the UFC’s eye.
  • An undefeated rising star from Bosnia and Herzegovina plans to use an LFA headlining opportunity to show the UFC he’s ready.
  • One of the most highly-touted prospects in all of MMA has proven she’s more than just a grappler – but continues to improve her punching prowess awaiting a UFC call.
  • A crafty flyweight veteran who hasn’t lost since 2017 eagerly anticipates his 13th straight win, which he thinks will finally elevate him into the UFC.
  • An Ecuador-born bantamweight based in taekwondo and cultivated by Ryan Hall jiu-jitsu plans to join countryman “Chito” in the UFC sooner or later.