Tony Ferguson congratulates Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler for TUF and subsequent fight

After Dana White announced that Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler would coach the upcoming season of TUF, Tony Ferguson took to social media to offer his congratulations in his own unique way.

In the lead-up to the announcement, 'El Cucuy' was thought to be the one who could potentially headline the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter, though the UFC ultimately opted against that. The former interim lightweight champion has had a long feud with the Irishman and could have been the perfect option to oppose him.

In a post on social media, Tony Ferguson offered his respect to both Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, insisting that he hoped the pair knock each other out when they meet in the cage later in the year.

"Best of luck to both of you knuckleheads McNuggets, Conor McGregor & chandelier, Michael Chandler. Hope you both knock each other the fu** out after [the] season. Teach them some good stuff boys & act accordingly gentlemen... Have fun."

Although he has had a high-level and memorable career in the sport, Tony Ferguson arguably didn't make sense to be placed in a blockbuster season of TUF due to his poor form inside the octagon.

The 39-year-old's last win came in dominant fashion against Donald Cerrone back in 2019, but since that performance, the veteran has endured five straight defeats and has looked a completely different fighter than he was four years ago.

With back-to-back losses against Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Michael Chandler, and Nate Diaz, the veteran has dropped out of the top 15 in the lightweight division and will likely find it tough to return to the stacked weight class.

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What comes next for the winner of Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler?

The MMA world is eagerly anticipating the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, which will likely showcase the best and worst of both Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, but what comes next for the winner?

Although 'Iron' is thrilled after being matched up against 'The Notorious' for his next bout, an impressive showing could be monumental for the former Bellator lightweight champion's career.

While the 155lb division is stacked full of contenders aiming to be next in line for a shot, McGregor and Chandler could leapfrog the rest of the athletes in the weight class and be up next for the champion after their collision later in the year.