Home

UFC

“He Was There More Than the Cameras Are Actually Making Him Out to Be”: TUF Prospect Dismisses Michael Chandler’s Claim on Conor McGregor Being Absent Most of the Time for Coaching His Team

Published 07/05/2023, 8:16 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Imago

Aaron McKenzie, a lightweight TUF contestant, was on Conor McGregor’s team. He recently discussed his time in the team in an interview with Amy Kaplan on the ‘FanSided MMA’ YouTube channel. Among the topics discussed were McGregor’s coaching style, the tension between McGregor and Michael Chandler, and other behind-the-scenes details.

McKenzie shed light on McGregor’s level of involvement and dedication to the team during the show. McGregor who has been under fire from Michael Chandler for not being there for his team, received words of compliment from McKenzie. And he revealed some interesting details about Conor’s preference for training times!

TUF contestant reveals Conor McGregor maintained his presence for the team

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

According to McKenzie, McGregor was present for the evening practices almost without fail. Except for a few days after McKenzie’s fight and when Stephen “Wonder Boy” Thompson visited. He also clarified McGregor’s availability for his team,He was there more than the cameras are actually making him out to be.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

McGregor actively participated in training, coaching and displayed a high level of engagement with the team. However, McKenzie admitted that most of the morning training duties were handled by other coaches. He even clarified that there wasn’t a time when he wasn’t scheduled for a training session or was lost about what he should be doing. According to him, “there was never a moment like where we were like okay what are we doing?

Team McGregor’s rough streak on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’

McGregor’s time as a coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter has been rough. In recent episodes, Team McGregor’s record stands at 0-6 against Team Chandler. In fact, one of McGregor’s highly touted fighters, Lee Hammond, showed promise early in his fight but eventually succumbed to Kurt Hollobaugh’s guillotine choke in the second round. Adding a 6th loss to Team McGregor’s’ record.

via Imago

This disappointing performance contrasts with McGregor’s successful stint on season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2015 when he led two Team Europe fighters to the lightweight finals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite Going 0–6 in TUF 31 Against Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor Shares Positive Update for His Team

McKenzie’s testimony highlights McGregor’s commitment to his fighters during practices. Where he actively participated in training and coaching, despite the team’s setbacks. The true impact of McGregor’s coaching style and the future of his rivalry with Chandler remain uncertain.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What are your thoughts on Conor McGregor’s involvement on The Ultimate Fighter and Team McGregor’s struggles? Do you believe we will witness the McGregor vs. Chandler fight in 2023? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Conor McGregor Compares Himself  To ‘The Godfather’ Star Robert DeNiro While Notifying About His Movie ‘Roadhouse’

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Dushyant Patni

678Articles

One take at a time

Dushyant Patni is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He fell in love with MMA at the tender age of fourteen and his appreciation for the craft has led him to become a practitioner, too. With a master's degree in English and an extensive background as a writer and editor, he uses his technical ability to articulate the nuances of the sport.
Show More>

Edited by:

Rupkamal Sarma