Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is undoubtedly among the most influential personalities in mixed martial arts. To top it off, the Irishman recently proved that he can even influence an in-cage referee during a fight.
McGregor reprised his role as a coach on the ongoing season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) opposite Michael Chandler. ‘The Notorious’ is in charge of a team of bantamweight and lightweight MMA prospects, whereas ‘Iron’ has a team of UFC veterans under his tutelage. While McGregor’s run this season has been notably dismal, the Irishman has avoided a clean sweep. His team went 1-7 against Chandler’s team.
In the latest episode of TUF 31, UFC veterans Austin Hubbard and Roosevelt Roberts faced off in a largely uneventful semifinal contest. However, fans witnessed a hilarious moment between Conor McGregor and the referee during the fight.
After the first minute of the third round, both fighters found themselves in a clinch deadlock against the cage. As the fight stalled while the clock ticked on, ‘The Notorious’ promptly addressed the referee, saying:
“Keep them busy, ref.”
Almost immediately, the referee responded:
“Come on guys, do something, or I’m going to break it up.”
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler: TUF 31 Episode 9 results
In the ninth episode of TUF 31, team Michael Chandler’s Austin Hubbard and Roosevelt Roberts faced off in a semifinal matchup. After three uneventful rounds, Hubbard edged out a split-decision win to advance to the lightweight finals. Hubbard will now face the winner of the other lightweight semifinal bout between fellow veterans Jason Knight and Kurt Holobaugh.
Interestingly, Chandler and his coaching staff decided not to corner either contender to avoid favoritism. However, Conor McGregor still showed up energetic as always and sprinkled some much-needed commentary during the fight. However, even the Irishman acknowledged that Hubbard and Roberts were engaged in a glorified spar.
Due to Michael Chandler having most fighters competing against each other going forward, the producers suggested that some veterans switch to team McGregor. While most refused, Brad Katona agreed to make the switch. Given that Katona has trained at Conor McGregor’s stable at SBG Ireland under coach Kavanagh, it was an easy decision for the TUF 27 winner.
Next week, Brad Katona and Timur Valiev face off in the first bantamweight semifinal bout.