Results of The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Episode 10

Brad Katona secures his spot in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter once again.

Previously, Katona (12-2) bagged the victory in TUF 27, competing in the featherweight category. Now, he’s eying the title for the second time, a first in the history of this longstanding reality show, by progressing to the TUF 31 bantamweight final through a split decision win against Timur Valiev (18-3, 1 NC).

The match was intensely fierce, with Katona and Valiev, both ex-teammates from Team Chandler, engaging in a grueling three-round battle. Both fighters suffered cuts during the match, with Katona bleeding heavily in the first round and Valiev getting injured in the second. Amid the bloody fight, both showcased strong technical skills, with Katona executing solid counters and Valiev causing damage through powerful leg kicks and ruthless combinations.

When it came to wrestling, it was a draw as both fighters demonstrated high-quality techniques. Katona strived with double leg takedowns, while Valiev resorted to smart grappling and trips.

In a match that could be termed a Fight of the Night contender, the judges ruled in favor of Katona to proceed in the bantamweight competition. He now waits for the winner of the semi-final between Rico DiSciullo and Cody Gibson.

This victory for Katona brought cheer to Conor McGregor’s team, which had a sluggish start with just one win out of eight attempts. Katona, who wasn’t initially part of Team McGregor, joined them before his fight with Valiev to steer clear of training complications and to align with his usual coaching staff from outside TUF. Katona’s training base is SBG Ireland, where he trains alongside McGregor and coach John Kavanagh.

Next week, we will see who becomes the other lightweight finalist when Team Chandler’s fighters Jason Knight and Kurt Holobaugh square off. The victor will be matched up with Austin Hubbard in the finale.

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

Once the season concludes, a welterweight bout is expected between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, but the date remains undecided. Nonetheless, recent allegations of sexual assault against McGregor and his ongoing issues with the USADA have left his future competitive status uncertain.

The TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight finalists will also be vying for a six-figure UFC contract at a future event. The date for the finals has not been disclosed yet.

Here is the breakdown of TUF 31 rosters 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)

Here are the quarterfinal outcomes:

Roosevelt Roberts defeated Nate Jennerman via first-round KO
Cody Gibson defeated Mando Gutierrez via first-round TKO
Austin Hubbard defeated Aaron McKenzie by unanimous decision
Timur Valiev defeated Trevor Wells by unanimous decision
Brad Katona defeated Carlos Vera by unanimous decision
Kurt Holobaugh defeated Lee Hammond via second-round submission (guillotine choke)
Jason Knight defeated Landon Quinones via first-round submission (triangle choke)
Rico DiSciullo defeated Hunter Azure via second-round KO

Here are the semi-final outcomes and matchups:

Austin Hubbard defeated Roosevelt Roberts via split decision
Brad Katona defeated Timur Valiev via split decision
Jason Knight vs. Kurt Holobaugh
Rico DiSciullo vs. Cody Gibson

Advanced to finals: Hubbard, Katona

Advanced to semifinals: Roberts, Gibson, Hubbard, Valiev, Katona, Holobaugh, Knight, DiSciullo

Eliminated: Jennerman, Gutierrez, McKenzie, Wells, Vera, Hammond, Quinones, Azure, Roberts, Valiev

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TUF 31 Bantamweight Final

More about TUF 31 Bantamweight Final

• The Ultimate Fighter
• Conor McGregor’s Profile
• Michael Chandler’s Profile
• Brad Katona’s Profile
• ESPN
• ESPN+
• UFC