TUF 31: Team Mcgregor vs. Team Chandler Episode 3 Results and Recap
The Ultimate Fighter Season 31: Team Mcgregor vs. Team Chandler episode 3 is in the books. If you are yet to watch the full episode or want to hear the results, you're in the right place. So let's recap the key events that happened in episode 3.
Fight Preparation: Aaron McKenzie
The episode begins with McKenzie training for his upcoming bout against Austin Hubbard. Conor McGregor has his team sparring, and a wayward kick appears to injure McKenzie's ribs, forcing him to halt the sparring session. McGregor gives some inspirational words to try and help ease the pain, and McKenzie also receives some advice from Owen Roddy, Team McGregor's striking coach.
Fight Preparation: Austin Hubbard
Austin Hubbard and Michael Chandler gameplan the fight against McKenzie, wishing to utilize Hubbard's cardio and leg kicks to gain the advantage. Hubbard is also seen practicing wrestling with episode 1 winner Roosevelt Roberts and practices jiu-jitsu with Team Chandler coach Robert Drysdale. Chandler also emphasizes starting fast because the fight could only be two rounds.
TUF House
A portion of Team McGregor is seen watching UFC Fight Night: UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield, which had former TUF fighter Zac Paunga on the card. The team also shares their thoughts on family members attending fights.
Weigh Ins
The two fighters step onto the scale to make weight before their bout. Conor McGregor does not show up for the third fight in a row for the weigh-ins, but Chandler has stopped commenting. Austin Hubbard weighs in at 156 lbs, and Aaron McKenzie weighs in at 155.5 lbs.
Aaron McKenzie vs. Austin Hubbard
Result: Austin Hubbard def. Aaron McKenzie via unanimous decision.
Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)
Referee: Mark Smith
The bout started quickly, with Hubbard attempting to land some of his hard leg kicks. McKenzie shot for a single leg, which was defended. McKenzie went for another takedown but was unsuccessful again. Eventually, while holding Hubbard against the cage, McKenzie slipped off, and Hubbard ended up on top and separated once McKenzie got back to his feet. Mckenzie landed a nasty corkscrew uppercut, but Hubbard shook it off. A close round was turned into dominated in the final minute. A combination from Hubbard, a right hand followed by an uppercut rocked McKenzie badly, and Hubbard knocked him down with a vicious knee to the jaw. For the remainder of the round, Hubbard landed some devastating elbows, nearly finishing the bout multiple times, but the buzzer sounded to close out round one.
After receiving advice from their coaches, round two began. McKenzie started hard, with some chopping leg kicks and a blitzing combination. Hubbard followed up and wobbled McKenzie with a right-hand left hook combination. Both guys exchanged more strikes on the feet until McKenzie shot for a takedown. However, he was unsuccessful, and Hubbard reversed position against the cage and secured his own. For the remainder of the round, Hubbard dominated McKenzie on the ground, not giving up position, and landed ground-and-pound strikes.
At the end of the round, the two fighters prepared just in case there was a third round, but the judges had already decided their victor. Austin Hubbard defeats Aaron McKenzie by unanimous decision, advancing to the semi-final round.
Team Chandler is now 3-0 in the competition, with Lightweights Roosevelt Roberts, Austin Hubbard, and Bantamweight Cody Gibson all moving on to the semi-final round. Next week, Timur Valiev and Trevor Wells will fight, and Team McGregor will look to get their first season victory.
What did you think of this episode, and how did you rate Austin Hubbard's performance? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts by dropping a comment below.
