Tag: Kurt Holobaugh

Kurt Holobaugh’s ‘TUF 31’ chronicles: The sweet taste of victory – and devastating Conor McGregor

Cast member Kurt Holobaugh gives MMA Junkie an exclusive, inside look at “The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.”

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” is underway with coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] attracting more eyeballs back on the series.

This season, which features eight lightweights and eight bantamweights, debuted Tuesday on ESPN. McGregor’s team features eight fighters who have not competed in the UFC against Chandler’s team of eight UFC alumni.

Among those UFC alumni is [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag], the lone fighter who had two previous stints with the promotion. Holobaugh went 0-4 over those stretches, but history shows a tough strength of schedule: Steven Siler, Raoni Barcelos, Shane Burgos, and Thiago Moises.

Now at lightweight rather than featherweight, Holobaugh devastated two opponents to get a third look from the UFC.

Each week here at MMA Junkie, Holobaugh will peel back the curtain and provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look and give insight into what may not have made the cut into the episode.

Check out what Holobaugh had to say about Episode 6, which featured his first bout on the series, below.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler’ Episode 6 recap: Crushed Conor McGregor gets violent

Conor McGregor got violent on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’ after this week’s fights made him drop to his knees.

“The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler” returned Tuesday for Episode 6 as a late comeback in this week’s matchup triggers a physical, post-bout altercation between the coaches.

On Episode 6, the matchup between Conor McGregor’s SBG Ireland teammate [autotag]Lee Hammond[/autotag] and former UFC fighter [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag] ends in dramatic fashion.

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 6 and make sure to check out an exclusive insider look from Holobaugh, who will peel back the curtain on MMA Junkie the morning after each episode airs.

Video: Conor McGregor two-hand shoves Michael Chandler in the face during ‘TUF 31’ altercation

Watch the full physical altercation between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler that took place during “The Ultimate Fighter 31” filming.

The highly-anticipated “TUF 31” physical altercation between [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] aired Tuesday and painted a contextual picture of what exactly happened between two of the UFC’s biggest stars.

Although teaser clips had been rolled out in promotional packages for weeks prior, viewers finally got to see what went down between the two.

As it turns out, McGregor two-hand shoved Chandler following the conclusion of the reality series’ sixth bout after his SBG Ireland teammate [autotag]Lee Hammond[/autotag] was submitted by Chandler’s team member [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag] in come-from-behind fashion.

McGregor took exception with verbal jabs by Chandler, who seemed to touch a soft spot at just the right time. After his team advanced to 6-0 on the season, Chandler criticized McGregor’s lack of presence at various points throughout the show’s filming to that point.

In turn, McGregor continued to chirp away at Chandler. He hurled demeaning insults about Bellator, the organization Chandler long represented prior to his UFC debut in January 2021.

As the two came face-to-face, McGregor cocked back and drove both of his hands into Chandler’s face. The shove sent Chandler backward.

Chandler giggled and screamed in excitement as McGregor took off his suit jacket. UFC president Dana White jogged around the perimeter of the cage and entered it, as the fighters were separated.

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Both fighters headed back to the locker rooms. During exit, Chandler walked by Team McGregor and told them, “I would’ve been there for you.”

“You’re all bums,” McGregor screamed at Team Chandler fighters Cody Gibson and Roosevelt Roberts as he walked away.

Frustrations continue to mount for McGregor, his coaching staff, and team of four bantamweight and four lightweight prospects. They have yet to win a fight against Chandler and his team of UFC alumni.

Episode 7 of 12 airs next Tuesday on ESPN and will feature the second-to-last quarterfinal bout. The live finale fights are expected to be part of UFC 292, MMA Junkie recently learned. The card takes place Aug. 19 at TD Garden in Boston.

Kurt Holobaugh’s ‘TUF 31’ chronicles: Why one teammate was disliked by the others

Cast member Kurt Holobaugh gives MMA Junkie an exclusive, inside look at “The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.”

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” is underway with coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] attracting more eyeballs back on the series.

This season, which features eight lightweights and eight bantamweights, debuted Tuesday on ESPN. McGregor’s team features eight fighters who have not competed in the UFC against Chandler’s team of eight UFC alumni.

Among those UFC alumni is [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag], the lone fighter who had two previous stints with the promotion. Holobaugh went 0-4 over those stretches, but history shows a tough strength of schedule: Steven Siler, Raoni Barcelos, Shane Burgos, and Thiago Moises.

Now at lightweight rather than featherweight, Holobaugh devastated two opponents to get a third look from the UFC.

Each week here at MMA Junkie, Holobaugh will peel back the curtain and provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look and give insight into what may not have made the cut into the episode.

Check out what Holobaugh had to say about Episode 5 below.

‘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.

Kurt Holobaugh’s ‘TUF 31’ chronicles: What it’s like living under the 24/7 surveillance of reality TV

Cast member Kurt Holobaugh gives MMA Junkie an exclusive, inside look at “The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.”

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” is underway with coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] attracting more eyeballs back on the series.

This season, which features eight lightweights and eight bantamweights, debuted Tuesday on ESPN. McGregor’s team features eight fighters who have not competed in the UFC against Chandler’s team of eight UFC alumni.

Among those UFC alumni is [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag], the lone fighter who had two previous stints with the promotion. Holobaugh went 0-4 over those stretches, but history shows a tough strength of schedule: Steven Siler, Raoni Barcelos, Shane Burgos, and Thiago Moises.

Now at lightweight rather than featherweight, Holobaugh devastated two opponents to get a third look from the UFC.

Each week here at MMA Junkie, Holobaugh will peel back the curtain and provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look and give insight into what may not have made the cut into the episode.

Check out what Holobaugh had to say about Episode 4 below.

Kurt Holobaugh’s ‘TUF 31’ chronicles: The difference between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor as coaches

Cast member Kurt Holobaugh gives MMA Junkie an exclusive, inside look at “The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.”

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” is underway with coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] attracting more eyeballs back on the series.

This season, which features eight lightweights and eight bantamweights, debuted Tuesday on ESPN. McGregor’s team features eight fighters who have not competed in the UFC against Chandler’s team of eight UFC alumni.

Among those UFC alumni is [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag], the lone fighter who had two previous stints with the promotion. Holobaugh went 0-4 over those stretches, but history shows a tough strength of schedule: Steven Siler, Raoni Barcelos, Shane Burgos, and Thiago Moises.

Now at lightweight rather than featherweight, Holobaugh devastated two opponents to get a third look from the UFC.

Each week here at MMA Junkie, Holobaugh will peel back the curtain and provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look and give insight into what may not have made the cut into the episode.

Check out what Holobaugh had to say about Episode 3 below:

Kurt Holobaugh’s ‘TUF 31’ chronicles: What it’s like to hang out with Conor McGregor

Cast member Kurt Holobaugh gives MMA Junkie an exclusive, inside look at “The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.”

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” is underway with coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] attracting loads of eyeballs back on the series.

This season, which features eight lightweights and eight bantamweights, debuted Tuesday on ESPN. McGregor’s team features eight fighters who have not competed in the UFC against Chandler’s team of eight UFC alumni.

Among those UFC alumni is [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag], the lone fighter who had two previous stints with the promotion. Holobaugh went 0-4 over those stretches, but history shows a tough strength of schedule: Steven Siler, Raoni Barcelos, Shane Burgos, and Thiago Moises.

Now at lightweight rather than featherweight, Holobaugh devastated two opponents to get a third look from the UFC.

Each week here at MMA Junkie, Holobaugh will peel back the curtain and provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look and give insight into what may not have made the cut into the episode.

Check out what Holobaugh had to say about Episode 2 below:

Kurt Holobaugh’s ‘TUF 31’ chronicles: A secluded waiting game ends with an exciting third chance

Cast member Kurt Holobaugh gives MMA Junkie an exclusive, inside look at “The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.”

“The Ultimate Fighter 31” is underway with coaches [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] attracting loads of eyeballs back on the series.

This season, which features eight lightweights and eight bantamweights, debuted Tuesday on ESPN. McGregor’s team features eight fighters who have not competed in the UFC against Chandler’s team of eight UFC alumni.

Among those UFC alumni is [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag], the lone fighter who had two previous stints with the promotion. Holobaugh went 0-4 over those stretches, but history shows a tough strength of schedule: Steven Siler, Raoni Barcelos, Shane Burgos, and Thiago Moises.

Now at lightweight rather than featherweight, Holobaugh devastated two opponents to get a third look from the UFC.

Each week here at MMA Junkie, Holobaugh will peel back the curtain and provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look and give insight into what may not have made the cut into the episode.

Check out what Holobaugh had to say about Episode 1 below:

16 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2023

It’s hard to make it to the UFC once, let alone a second time, but these fighters have a chance in 2023.

It’s hard to make it to the UFC.

Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.

When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”

Easier said than done.

For the vast majority, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title.

In recent memory, others like Brandon Davis, Jesse Ronson, Nicolas Dalby, Chase Sherman, Sean Soriano, and Dustin Jacoby have reinforced the possibility.

With the new year upon us, here are 16 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2023.

Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.