‘Tempers flared’ – Conor McGregor lifts lid on mass TUF 31 scuffle with Michael Chandler ahead of UFC return
CONOR MCGREGOR has shed some light on his reported scuffle with Michael Chandler at UFC Apex.
The pair, 34 and 36 respectively, were allegedly involved in a melee during filming of The Ultimate Fighter 31 in Las Vegas late last month.
McGregor allegedly shoved Chandler in the face, sparking a melee in which one of the fighters was reportedly slapped.
And the Irishman has hinted the reports of the scuffle were indeed correct, telling Barstool Sports: “I had respect for [Michael] Chandler [before TUF 31] – we had an issue, right.
“Obviously, tempers are flaring – it’s a f***ing hostile thing. I like his style, he likes my style, we have a good little buzz.
“There’s still competitive fire – I’m still gonna mince him.
“I know he’s gonna try and throw everything into his shots also. But there’s still admiration – that’s how it should be.
“That’s how sport should be, you should have the ability to separate it.
“We had an issue once during it, and it’s all good.
“Tempers were flaring – we got past it.”
McGregor and Chandler, former UFC and Bellator lightweight champions, are set to throw down after filming season 31 of the Ultimate Fighter.
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And The Notorious is hoping it will kick off a return to the active ways that endeared him to the fanbase.
He said: “What do I hope for in this world? I hope for 100 fights. I hope for 100 more fights.
“I’m working for consistency.
“I’ve been having this on, off, on, off nonsense for too long, via fight politics, via injuries, via just life. It does happen.
“It’s God’s plan. It’s all God, so I accept and understand it.
“But I’m excited and hopeful that I can get a nice consecutive run of bouts.
“I’ve got a lot of exciting fights. I’ve got some rivalries.
“You’ve got guys on the climb, you’ve got guys in other divisions that are supposed to be the best.
“There’s loads of bouts I could have and I’m excited for every single one of them.”