Even with the cloud of yet another sexual assault allegation hanging over Conor McGregor , the UFC and ESPN remain committed to shining a spotlight on MMA’s biggest star as Season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter” will proceed with its fourth episode Tuesday night. McGregor, 34, currently is featured as a coach opposite lightweight contender and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler on “TUF 31,” which has aired weekly on ESPN since May 30 and is set to continue until Aug. 15. Two ESPN spokespersons declined an MMA Junkie request for comment when asked if the network has considered canceling “TUF 31” or making changes to the show’s presentation considering the sexual assault allegation against McGregor. A UFC spokesperson didn’t respond to MMA Junkie when asked if the promotion would reconsider the continuation of “TUF 31” given the optics of the situation. The UFC said in a previous statement that it would “continue to gather additional details regarding the incident” and “allow the legal process to play out before making any additional statements.” Last week, a woman accused McGregor of “violently” raping her while attending NBA Finals Game 4 on June 10 in Miami.
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