Michael Chandler is securing his stronghold in his Ultimate Fighter 31 coaching duel against Conor McGregor.
This week’s episode saw Team Chandler increase their streak to 3-0 in the TUF 31 quarterfinals as Austin Hubbard (15-6) achieved a decisive victory over Aaron McKenzie (11-2-1) in their lightweight tournament match.
The relatively younger yet slightly more seasoned Hubbard (despite both starting their professional careers in 2015, Hubbard has more pro fights under his belt than McKenzie) demonstrated commendable takedown defense in the two-round fight, constantly resisting McKenzie’s efforts to bring the fight down. While McKenzie landed a few substantial blows, Hubbard stood firm and returned the favor frequently.
Round 1 almost ended in Hubbard’s favor as he landed a powerful uppercut and knee on McKenzie, gaining the upper hand and delivering severe ground-and-pound attacks.
Despite emerging bloodied in Round 2, McKenzie initiated with aggression, but Hubbard managed to stay composed, executing a successful takedown and continuing with his ground-and-pound strategy. When McKenzie attempted to fight back, Hubbard overpowered him back to the mat, asserting control for the rest of the round. Hubbard clinched a unanimous decision victory.
In his first stint with the UFC, Hubbard scored three wins and four losses, triumphing over Dakota Bush, Max Rohskopf, and Kyle Prepolec before being let go in 2021. However, he rebounded with two regional scene wins in 2022 and now progresses to the semifinals alongside UFC veterans Roosevelt Roberts and Cody Gibson.
Meanwhile, McGregor’s team of fighters, who are yet to debut in the UFC, are still in search of their first win.
But the episode wasn’t all doom and gloom for McGregor. He was paid a visit by fan Samuel Romero, bearing two bespoke McGregor action figures – one suited for the ring and one for the boardroom. McGregor was so taken by Romero’s craftsmanship that he instantly bought the figures, paying with a stack of $100 bills to Romero’s astonishment.
Next week’s episode will feature a match deferred from Episode 2, where Team McGregor’s Trevor Wells (8-3) goes up against Team Chandler’s Timur Valiev (18-3, 1 NC).
The Ultimate Fighter 31 is broadcasted live every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
The season finale will see McGregor and Chandler clash in a welterweight match, although the date remains undecided.
The TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournament finalists will also be competing for a six-figure UFC contract in the show’s live finale, the date for which is yet to be confirmed.
The current TUF 31 roster is split as follows:
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 results so far:
Roosevelt Roberts defeated Nate Jennerman by a first-round KO
Cody Gibson won against Mando Gutierrez via a first-round TKO
Austin Hubbard triumphed over Aaron McKenzie through a unanimous decision
Here are the remaining quarterfinal matchups:
Trevor Wells vs. Timur Valiev
Lee Hammond vs. Kurt Holobaugh
Jason Knight vs. Landon Quinones
Hunter Azure vs. Rico DiSciullo
Brad Katona vs. Carlos Vera
Advancing to semifinals: Roberts, Gibson, Hubbard
Eliminated: Jennerman, Gutierrez, McKenzie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ultimate Fighter 31 results
Who won the fight in Episode 3 of Ultimate Fighter 31 between Austin Hubbard and Aaron McKenzie?
Austin Hubbard emerged victorious over Aaron McKenzie in a decisive win during their lightweight tournament bout in Episode 3 of Ultimate Fighter 31.
Which team is leading in the Ultimate Fighter 31 quarterfinals after Episode 3?
After Episode 3 of Ultimate Fighter 31, Team Chandler, coached by Michael Chandler, is leading with a 3-0 streak in the quarterfinals.
Who visited Conor McGregor during Episode 3 of Ultimate Fighter 31?
During Episode 3 of Ultimate Fighter 31, Conor McGregor received a visit from fan Samuel Romero, who presented him with custom-made McGregor action figures.
What is the next matchup in the Ultimate Fighter 31?
The next matchup in the Ultimate Fighter 31 will be between Team McGregor’s Trevor Wells (8-3) and Team Chandler’s Timur Valiev (18-3, 1 NC).
What is the current roster of teams in the Ultimate Fighter 31?
The current TUF 31 roster is divided between Team McGregor, consisting of prospects, and Team Chandler, consisting of veterans. Notable names include Lee Hammond and Nate Jennerman for Team McGregor, and Jason Knight and Austin Hubbard for Team Chandler.
What happens to the finalists of the TUF 31 tournament?
The finalists of the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournaments will compete for a six-figure UFC contract in the show’s live finale. The date for this event is yet to be announced.
More about Ultimate Fighter 31 results
- The Ultimate Fighter 31 Official Site
- McGregor vs Chandler: Upcoming Fight Details
- Profile: Michael Chandler
- Profile: Conor McGregor
- UFC News and Updates
- Detailed Fight Statistics
- Austin Hubbard’s Fight Record
