Conor McGregor is on his way back to the Octagon, but before he pulls on the four-ounce gloves and makes his walk to the cage, he'll play a starring role in the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Michael Chandler may have been battered and bruised following his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281, but the always-positive lightweight contender still has high hopes for a huge fight with Conor McGregor down the line.
The stars of UFC 281 – two champions, challengers, and fan favourites – cut their final pounds ahead of Friday morning's weigh-in. Then it's one more pre-fight showdown at the ceremonials held at Radio City Music Hall.
Champs Israel Adesanya and Carla Esparza join their opponents at the UFC 281 presser; Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier face off. Zhang Weili and Frankie Edgar train for their next chapters. Izzy and Alex Pereira pose at a landmark.
Champ Carla Esparza and Michael Chandler take in their billboard. Dustin Poirier loosens up in the ring. Molly McCann meets a legend. Zhang Weili crosses paths with Esparza. At media day, champion Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira talk up their main event.
It's fight week in New York City and today marks the "fight before the fight," as the stars of UFC 281 take to the scale for the official early-morning weigh-ins ahead of fight night at Madison Square Garden.
Michael Chandler said that he's ready to follow up his 2021 Fight of the Year clash at MSG with Justin Gaethje with another big performance against Dustin Poirier, as he said he had no problem trying to match his previous performance at the iconic arena.
Michael Chandler gets a ride from a friend. Alex Pereira packs for a life-changing week. Champ Carla Esparza enjoys the perks of her job. Champ Israel Adesanya and team push hard. Dustin Poirier, Molly McCann and Zhang Weili check in.
Champ Israel Adesanya takes in some fine art. Alex Pereira sweats in the fresh air. Michael Chandler eyes redemption at MSG and trains with Kamaru Usman. Champ Carla Esparza embraces the process. Zhang Weili lands in NYC.
There may not be a title on the line when Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler meet at Madison Square Garden, but expectations are sky high as two of the lightweight division’s biggest crowd-pleasers go head to head at UFC 281.