Results of Episode 4: The Ultimate Fighter 31 – Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler

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Conor McGregor’s Winning Streak Threatened by Team Chandler

The latest episode of The Ultimate Fighter 31 showcased the dominance of Team Chandler as they extended their winning streak to 4-0 this season. Coach Michael Chandler’s bantamweight fighter, Timur Valiev (18-3, 1 NC), secured a unanimous decision victory over Trevor Wells (8-3), representing Team McGregor. Wells displayed commendable resilience in the first round, but Valiev’s wrestling skills prevailed in the second round, ultimately securing him the win.

Originally scheduled to fight earlier in the season, Valiev and Wells faced a delay due to Wells’ cold sore. This prompted discussions about modifying the bout to a catchweight affair. Chandler advocated for a reduction in the fighters’ weight cut, while McGregor’s camp insisted on a weight cut for the larger Valiev. Eventually, a compromise was reached, and the fight took place at a 142-pound catchweight.

Despite the experience gap and differences in competition level, the bout proved more competitive than anticipated. Wells showcased impressive striking and grappling defense in the first round, landing powerful jabs and successfully defending against Valiev’s back attempts. Valiev, on the other hand, found success with his striking, repeatedly connecting with his right hand on Wells’ chin.

The second round belonged entirely to Valiev, who executed a well-timed takedown early in the frame. He dominated the fight from Wells’ half guard, delivering heavy ground-and-pound. Although Wells managed to prevent Valiev from advancing, a last-minute reversal proved too little, too late.

All four of Chandler’s UFC veterans who have competed so far—Roosevelt Roberts, Austin Hubbard, Timur Valiev, and Cody Gibson—were victorious in their respective bouts.

In the upcoming episode, Brad Katona (12-2) from Team Chandler, who is a long-time training partner of McGregor, will face Carlos Vera (11-3) from Team McGregor in a bantamweight bout.

The Ultimate Fighter 31 airs live every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.

Following the season finale, a welterweight bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler is expected to take place. However, the match has not been officially confirmed, and recent sexual assault allegations against McGregor have cast doubt on his future in competitive fighting.

Additionally, the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournament finalists will compete for a lucrative UFC contract during the show’s live finale. The date for this event is yet to be announced.

TUF 31 Roster by Team:

Team McGregor (prospects):

Lightweight:

• Lee Hammond (27, 5-0)
• Nate Jennerman (29, 16-5)
• Aaron McKenzie (34, 11-2-1)
• Landon Quinones (27, 7-1-1)

Bantamweight:

• Mando Gutierrez (26, 8-2)
• Trevor Wells (27, 8-3)
• Carlos Vera (35, 11-3)
• Rico DiSciullo (36, 11-2, 1 NC)

Team Chandler (veterans):

Lightweight:

• Jason Knight (30, 23-7)
• Austin Hubbard (31, 15-6)
• Roosevelt Roberts (28, 12-3, 1 NC)
• Kurt Holobaugh (36, 19-7, 1 NC)

Bantamweight:

• Hunter Azure (31, 10-3)
• Brad Katona (31, 12-2)
• Timur Valiev (33, 18-3, 1 NC)
• Cody Gibson (35, 19-8)

Quarterfinal Results:

• Roosevelt Roberts def. Nate Jennerman via first-round KO
• Cody Gibson def. Mando Gutierrez via first-round TKO
• Austin Hubbard def. Aaron McKenzie via unanimous decision
• Timur Valiev def. Trevor Wells via unanimous decision

Remaining Quarterfinal Matchups:

• Brad Katona vs. Carlos Vera
• Lee Hammond vs. Kurt Holobaugh
• Jason Knight vs. Landon Quinones
• Hunter Azure vs. Rico DiSciullo

Advancing to the Semifinals:

• Roosevelt Roberts
• Cody Gibson
• Austin Hubbard
• Timur Valiev

Eliminated:

• Nate Jennerman
• Mando Gutierrez
• Aaron McKenzie
• Trevor Wells

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about dominance

• Lightweight: Lee Hammond, Nate Jennerman, Aaron McKenzie, Landon Quinones
• Bantamweight: Mando Gutierrez, Trevor Wells, Carlos Vera, Rico DiSciullo