Ariel Helwani just landed a last-minute in-studio interview with "The Notorious" Conor McGregor. As soon as the interview started Ariel asked Conor if The Ultimate Fighter was how Conor thought he'd make his comeback to the UFC. Conor's reply was interesting, to say the least. "Ultimate Fighter just kind of presented itself. It was originally supposed to be against Nate." That is jarring considering the UFC absolutely botched Nate Diaz's contract negotiations. As awesome as Michael Chandler is, it would have been amazing if the trilogy of McGregor vs Diaz were to be completed with a reality show coaching against each other preceding the fight. The build would have been amazing. What a miss by the UFC not being able to get that deal done.
Conor and Ariel also discussed the scuffle between Chandler and McGregor on TUF, or at least as much as he could say. Conor mentioned how his fighter was 5-0 and it was, in fact, one of the fighters he brought in and how "he had been training with him since the beginning and he was coming into his own and I had skin in the game and it got emotional." Conor went on to say how he and Chandler still have the utmost respect for each other after the "tussle" they shared.
Conor also made it seem like he is going to be a Welterweight going forward when Ariel asked him about his weight class. Conor even makes it seem like USADA is going to give him an exception considering he claims he still has two drug tests to pass. The full interview will be at the bottom in case you missed it. However, I just can't get over the fact that the UFC was pitching Nate to coach TUF meanwhile they let him go months before. It's just crazy to me. All in all, I can't wait for The Ultimate Fighter and the return of McGregor. As fun as the trilogy would have been McGregor vs Chandler will be one of the most exciting fights of the year.
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