Conor McGregor set to remove TUF 31 contestants to make room for his own 'hand-picked fighters'

Several Ultimate Fighter contestants are being eliminated from the combat sports reality show before they even have a chance to fight. Conor McGregor, who will coach TUF 31 alongside fellow lightweight Michael Chandler, is making room for his own hand-picked fighters.

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Danny Rubenstein, an industry insider and sports agent, provided the report. The complete lightweight and bantamweight roster is expected to be released in the coming days. Following the conclusion of TUF 31, which will air on ESPN this May, McGregor and Chandler will face off on a UFC pay-per-view (PPV) card in late 2023, marking "Notorious'" first fight since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

“I’m looking forward to it,” McGregor told Britain’s The Daily Mirror. “I’m looking forward to it. I feel good. I feel energetic. I feel ready. You know, I’m throwing up my high kicks faster than I’m throwing out my jab. So I’m very excited to get back.”

In the meantime, it's Peter Queally's birthday today (19th February), and Conor McGregor decided to wish him well while also posing a drinking challenge for the occasion. McGregor and Queally work out together at Dublin's Straight Blast Gym.

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The two have developed a close friendship with 'The Showstopper,' who they frequently credit for their mental toughness. 'The Notorious' took to Twitter to quote a fan page in which he wished Queally a happy 34th birthday.

"Happiest Birthday to @peterqueally #HappyBirthday," he wrote.

McGregor added a drinking challenge, demanding Queally to finish an entire bottle of Proper No. Twelve, his Irish whisky brand. "Happy birthday show stop! Your one stop shop for stoppin shops. (Drink a full bottle of proper whiskey and try say this fast)," he added.