Conor McGregor’s thrilling Ultimate Fighter showdown with Michael Chandler lasted 30 MINUTES

Michael Chandler has revealed that the thrilling showdown between him and Conor McGregor in the opening episode of Ultimate Fighter lasted 30 minutes because they had to wait at a gym during filming.

The two fighters will lead teams in the new series before going head-to-head later this year – a date and venue to be announced.

It will be the first time McGregor has stood in the octagon since badly breaking his leg in a fight with Dustin Poirier nearly two years ago, but judging by the new series’ opening scene, the Irishman hasn’t lost an ounce of confidence.

McGregor and Chandler met face to face in an oddly awkward scene; McGregor paced in a smart suit and seemed unsure whether to goad Chandler while the American tried to keep his cool and stay out of what he later dubbed “verbal ju-jitsu”.

“What was Mystic Mike’s prediction?” McGregor asked Chandler with a grin.

Conor McGregor’s exciting encounter with Michael Chandler lasted a total of 30 minutes

“2nd round KO,” replies Chandler. “Hit the hard ones right in the first one.”

“Dream on, mate, dream on,” McGregor replies. “Did I tell you how hard it will be? 185. You will do as you are told. I will pin you this is my game This is my game forever.’

Speaking after the show aired, Chandler revealed what it was like to come face-to-face with his testy opponent.

“Conor and I had met, we had a press conference before. “When he fought Poirier, I fought Dan Hooker,” Chandler said. “They said go and wait at the gym, I stood there for 10 minutes and then they sent Conor there and let us for 30 minutes.”

For his part, Chandler was still trying to get at McGregor. In an unseen note later shown on ESPN after the episode, he told McGregor, “It’s the pressure that you can’t handle — the pressure to fight.”

But Chandler revealed he didn’t feel the need to unduly mock McGregor.

‘How are you? Do you start talking nonsense and insulting each other? Conor and I have great respect for one another.

“He’s a wordsmith and so comfortable in that area.” I don’t think Conor wanted to come in and spit out poison like he usually does. what will he say I don’t go into the show thinking that I’ll win the verbal ju-jitsu match.

“Sometimes you have to approach it with humility and show them they’re not going to win this.”

McGregor was still toying with Chandler about the weight they will be fighting.

“It’s a good fight,” McGregor said. “Did I tell you how hard it will be? 185? look what happens stay ready 205? Good at 205? You would earn 155?’

Chandler said after the show that McGregor, 34, may not be able to carry the extra bulk he’s clearly carrying around.

“He’s going to lose some weight, I’m sure,” Chandler said. “You go to a training camp and you’re going to lose some excess size.” He’s definitely put on some size.

“Conor and I are about the same height.” He chooses the right photos for his Instagram feed. Can he carry this mass well? Can he be fast and reactive? It remains to be seen, he is definitely a lot bigger.”