Conor McGregor is planning to return to the UFC this year. However, he had earlier teased appearing in the upcoming season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ as a coach, opposite Tony Ferguson. The news was seemingly confirmed by Irish MMA outfit, ‘SevereMMA’ a few days earlier. UFC veteran Michael Bisping discussed the 31st season of TUF in a recent episode of his podcast, ‘Believe You Me’.

UFC’s reality television show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ had garnered a lot of audience since its inception in 2005. However, MMA fans claim that the show has become stale in the last few seasons. The inclusion of Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson could help attract newer viewers.

Even though ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ has produced so many UFC talents over the years, the show needs an essential revitalization. UFC fighter Anthony Smith joined Michael Bisping in his podcast. Smith believes that UFC has made the right choice of including McGregor in the upcoming season of TUF from the entertainment point of view.

Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith talk about Conor McGregor vs Tony Ferguson dynamic ahead of TUF 31

Anthony Smith said that he would love to see McGregor and Ferguson rival each other in the upcoming season of TUF. He said, “From an entertainment standpoint, I really like Conor vs Tony.” He talked about the ability of ‘El Cucuy’ to ruffle the feathers of his opponents. Smith said, “Tony has this weird innate ability to get under everybody’s skin.” 

The UFC light heavyweight fighter recalled the instance Ferguson rattled Khabib Nurmagomedov. “As mentally tough as Khabib is, only person that’s ever been able to get under his skin is Tony Ferguson,” said Smith.

He added, “From the Tiramisu and calling him [Nurmagomedov] a fat kid …he’s just really good at it. I think that Tony will really rattle Conor.”

Michael Bisping recalled all of Tony Ferguson‘s trash-talking and antics. He claimed that it is a good fight for Conor McGregor if that is his comeback fight in the UFC. ‘El Cucuy’ is one of the biggest trash-talkers in UFC history.

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It has been almost over a year and a half since Conor McGregor stepped inside the octagon. He underwent a major physical transformation during his time away from the UFC. However, many believe that the former UFC double champion is past his peak. But, ‘Notorious’ would want to make sure to prove his critics wrong in his comeback fight after he tweeted about wanting to make a statement on his return.

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