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Five potential coach parings for The Ultimate Fighter 31
There is so much speculation around the new season of The Ultimate Fighter ever since Conor McGregor & Tony Ferguson confirmed they were offered coaching positions. Though that is still not confirmed, we do know the weight classes that are going to be featured.
We also know the theme that production is potentially going with. With so much interest generated over the last few weeks, and a UFC card right around the corner, you have to imagine an announcement is near. Before that happens, let’s take a look at some potential coach pairings that could happen for TUF 31…
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Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson
This seems like the most likely pairing. Not only is this fight one fans have been waiting for, it seems like the perfect time for both men. Sure, we would have liked to see it much earlier in their careers, but adding the The Ultimate Fighter to the mix just makes it even better. Even though Conor McGregor was recently in a bike accident, it’s being reported by Severe MMA that he is indeed confirmed. Knowing Ferguson was also offered the job, it seems an announcement is near and potential fight news for both could be on the way.
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Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
If it’s not Tony Ferguson, the likely next in line matchup for TUF 31 would be McGregor vs. Michael Chandler. We know Chandler wants The Red Panty Night, and he’s shown nothing but respect to the OG Champ Champ in the lead up. Don’t get me wrong, the fight would be an absolute banger. But The Ultimate Fighter isn’t about getting along and being respectful… So for that, the matchup will always take a backseat to something more interesting storyline-wise.
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Team Conor McGregor vs. Team GSP
The Scrap Sheet recently shared more details regarding TUF 31 and the potential theme for the season. If true, this pairing for an Ultimate Fighter season makes sense. As we know, not every coach pairing on the show has led to a fight inside the Octagon. Similarly to McGregor’s first TUF coaching experience, this matchup would likely not culminate in a fight between the two legends. Though Team McGregor vs. Team GSP won’t happen, it would be fun to watch play out on TV. It could bring in those casual viewers and massive mainstream attention the series has been lacking since its return.
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Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal
We never got Team Masvidal vs. Team Covington on TUF 29 like fans wanted. Now that his next fight is confirmed for UFC 287, the timeline seems to line up perfectly with TUF filming soon to be underway. Last season, the coaches fought before the finale took place. So with Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal happening on April 8th, the finale could take place shortly after. If the Conor news is pure speculation still, these two seems like they could fit the bill and put on must-see TV.
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Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane
Looking at the current fights booked at the time of this writing, the only other matchup that seems possible and could bring tons of eyes to the series is Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane. Not only does it fit the potential theme of the season, it could help sell the fight even more with the potential trash talk in the lead up to one of the biggest heavyweight title fights in UFC history. Not to mention, it’s also ironic that the only blemish on Jones’ record is when he fought on the TUF 10 finale. The reason this won’t be happening though, is because their fight is coming up in March and TUF filming takes at least 6 weeks.
Which coach pairing do you want to see on The Ultimate Fighter 31? Let us know in the comments…
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