Brad Katona, from Conor McGregor’s team, defeated Timur Valiev (Michael Chandler’s team) via a split decision in a bantamweight bout to reach the finals of TUF 31.
Although team McGregor achieved a win, Katona did switch coaches to join the ‘Notorious’ and faced off against his former teammate.
Katona does have a history in the series after having won TUF 27 at featherweight, and he now has the opportunity to become the first-ever winner on two occasions.
The bout was very competitive from the off, with both fighters looking to hurt each other.
During the first round, Katona suffered at the hands of Valiev’s powerful striking as the blood began to show.
(Timur Valiev vs. Brad Katona Full Fight Highlights). . Team McGregor bantamweight Brad Katona and Team Chandler’s Timur Valiev pleased Dana White, Conor McGregor and Micahel Chandler with one of the best fights of the season. #TUF31 #TUF pic.twitter.com/yRUCYhCZhd
— Allwrestling.info (@viralclipshorts) August 2, 2023
In the next round, the reverse happened as Valiev was on the end of some precisise shots.
Katona managed to land numerous counters to keep Valiev at bay, while the latter responded with numerous combinations and leg kicks.
As the fight entered the latter stages, Katona attacked with double leg attempts while Valiev resorted to grappling.
When it went to the judges, Katona was given the win as he faces the winner of Rico DiSciullo vs Cody Gibson in the final.
The next episode will see Jason Knight and Kurt Holobaugh square off from team Chandler, as the winner will take on Austin Hubbard in the final.