Conor McGregor says Nate Diaz was supposed to coach TUF, not Michael Chandler

Fans almost got to see the highly-anticipated trilogy between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.

When it was announced that Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler would be the new coaches for season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, fans were excited. It seemed an incredible match-up and good matchmaking. But now McGregor has revealed who was originally supposed to coach the show with him and fans are mourning what could have been.

While appearing on a special MMA Hour segment on Wednesday evening, McGregor was asked if TUF was his first choice to make his UFC return.

"The Ultimate Fighter kind of just presented itself," he said. "It was originally to be against Nate [Diaz]. It was Nate, me versus Nate. So I did not mind who it was against to be honest. Nor do I mind who I compete against, that's widely known."

Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz are 1-1 in their past 2 fights together

McGregor says that the switch between Diaz and Chandler was last minute, but wasn't sure why it didn't happen.

"I had agreed to it, it was Nate, and it was like a day or two before and now it's Chandler," he said. "So I'm not sure what went down on that end but it's me versus Chandler and I have no problem him, i'm happy with it."

Fans were upset to hear that the trilogy between Diaz and McGregor won't happen, as it's been something the fans and both fighters have been calling for, for years.

The Ultimate Fighter 31 will premiere on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and will air exclusively on ESPN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your live results and highlights.