The results of Episode 5 of The Ultimate Fighter 31, featuring the clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, unfolded as follows:
In an impressive display of dominance, Michael Chandler’s team continued their winning streak, securing their fifth consecutive victory on the show. Brad Katona, Chandler’s second-ranked fighter, defeated Carlos Vera, McGregor’s third-ranked fighter, in a unanimous decision.
The fight showcased intense competition, with Vera’s agility causing difficulties for Katona on his feet. However, Katona effectively utilized his strength to overpower Vera and control the fight on the ground. Despite Vera’s occasional moments of brilliance, including some slick reversals, he couldn’t overcome Katona’s suffocating control.
This victory marked Katona’s third win on The Ultimate Fighter. He had previously achieved success on the 27th season of the show, where he triumphed in two fights and ultimately claimed the tournament championship in the TUF 27 finals held in July 2018. Interestingly, the episode also saw some drama unfold as Katona, who has trained with McGregor and his coaches at SBG Ireland in Dublin for years, competed against him without any evident impact on their performance.
Adding to the drama, a frustrated McGregor entered the cage after the fight to voice his complaints about TUF bouts being limited to two rounds. This marked the second consecutive episode where a Team McGregor fighter had lost a closely contested decision.
With three fights remaining, McGregor’s only hope now is to avoid going winless in the competition. The upcoming episode presents his team’s best chance of securing a victory, with undefeated SBG Ireland prospect Lee Hammond (5-0) set to face the oldest cast member of the season, 36-year-old Kurt Holobaugh (19-7, 1 NC) from Team Chandler, in a lightweight bout.
The Ultimate Fighter 31 airs live every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
Following the season finale, it is anticipated that Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will face off in a welterweight bout, although the matchup has yet to be officially confirmed. However, recent sexual assault allegations against McGregor have cast doubt on his future competitive status.
Additionally, the finalists of the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournaments will compete for a UFC contract worth six figures at the show’s live finale. The date for this event is yet to be announced.
Here is the breakdown of the 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)
The quarterfinal results thus far are as follows:
- Roosevelt Roberts defeated Nate Jennerman via first-round knockout.
- Cody Gibson defeated Mando Gutierrez via first-round TKO.
- Austin Hubbard defeated Aaron McKenzie via unanimous decision.
- Timur Valiev defeated Trevor Wells via unanimous decision.
- Brad Katona defeated Carlos Vera via unanimous decision.
The remaining quarterfinal matchups are:
- Lee Hammond vs. Kurt Holobaugh
- Jason Knight vs. Landon Quinones
- Hunter Azure vs. Rico DiSciullo
Advancing to the semifinals are Roberts, Gibson, Hubbard, Valiev, and Katona.
Eliminated from the competition are Jennerman, Gutierrez, McKenzie, Wells, and Vera.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TUF 31: McGregor vs. Chandler
What are the results of Episode 5 of The Ultimate Fighter 31 featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler?
In Episode 5 of The Ultimate Fighter 31, Michael Chandler’s team continued their winning streak with Brad Katona earning a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Vera.
How did Brad Katona perform in the fight against Carlos Vera?
Brad Katona showcased his dominance by controlling the fight against Carlos Vera, utilizing his strength to overpower him and secure a unanimous decision victory.
Did Brad Katona’s previous training with Conor McGregor affect their performance in the fight?
Despite training with Conor McGregor and his coaches at SBG Ireland in Dublin, Brad Katona’s previous association with McGregor did not appear to impact their performance in the fight.
What was the reaction of Conor McGregor after the fight?
Conor McGregor expressed his frustration by entering the cage after the fight to complain about TUF bouts only being two-round affairs, marking the second consecutive episode where a Team McGregor fighter lost a competitive decision.
Is there any update on the potential welterweight bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler?
Although a welterweight bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler is expected to happen after the season finale, the matchup has yet to be officially confirmed. Moreover, recent sexual assault allegations against McGregor have raised uncertainty about his future competitive status.
What is at stake for the finalists of the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournaments?
The finalists of the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournaments will have the opportunity to compete for a six-figure UFC contract at the show’s live finale, with the date for the event yet to be announced.
More about TUF 31: McGregor vs. Chandler
- The Ultimate Fighter – Official Website
- Conor McGregor – UFC Fighter Profile
- Michael Chandler – UFC Fighter Profile
- The Ultimate Fighter 31 – Episode Guide
- ESPN MMA – The Ultimate Fighter News
- UFC – Official Website
4 comments
TUF 31 is a rollercoaster ride! Chandler’s team is unstoppable, and Katona’s victory was solid. McGregor needs to regroup, those two-round fights got him all riled up. Can’t wait for the finals and the UFC contract showdown. Let’s see who takes it all! #TUF31 #TeamChandler
TUF 31 drama is heating up! Katona’s win was impressive, his ground control was on point. McGregor’s team needs a win badly, hope Hammond can deliver next episode. Excited for the potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight, but those allegations are casting doubt. Stay tuned! #TUF31 #McGregorChandler
wow, tuf 31 is intense! mcgregor vs chandler, whoa! chandler’s team is rockin’ it, 5-0 baby! katona’s fight was craazzy, he bullied his way to the win. vera had his moments, but no match for katona’s control. mcgregor needs a win, man, hope next episode is his shot! #TUF31 #ConorVsChandler
Loving this season of TUF! McGregor’s fighters are struggling, Chandler’s team is on fire. Katona showed some serious skills, dominating Vera. McGregor’s frustrations are real, 2-round fights suck! Can’t wait for the welterweight bout between McGregor and Chandler. #TUF31 #McGregorVsChandler