(Exclusive) TUF Insider reveals important takeaway after infamous Conor McGregor haircut moment

Mando Gutierrez, known for giving a haircut to Conor McGregor, reveals takeaway after getting coached by the Irishman on TUF 31.

(Exclusive) TUF Insider reveals important takeaway after infamous Conor McGregor haircut moment

Mando Gutierrez speaks about TUF days with Conor McGregor (Image via UFC.com/ESPN)

The Ultimate Fighter has lost the hype in recent years despite its first season saving the UFC back in their dark ages. In recent times, the TUF 31 featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler had the most hype. After all, the UFC filmed the season in hopes of putting on a McGregor vs. Chandler bout. Though things have not worked out, it was a pretty eventful season of TUF when it aired.

Mando “El Toro” Gutierrez spoke with Garrett Kerman in an exclusive interview. Gutierrez’s time on TUF 31 was transformative. Competing as part of Team McGregor, he trained under one of MMA’s most iconic figures. In fact, he also gave a haircut to ‘The Notorious’ on TUF 31. Moreover, ‘El Toro’ gave insider details on what the atmosphere was with McGregor and Chandler.

It was fun, man. It was one of the best experiences of my entire life, something I can always really look back on forever… There’s a lot of tough people in the house and tough people on the coaching staffs. So, getting to learn from everybody, it was a huge blessing for me and I learned a lot of lessons that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

Mando Gutierrez via Exclusive FirstSportz interview

Speaking with Garrett Kerman in an exclusive FirstSportz interview, Gutierrez revealed that he was a barber and an artist when he is not fighting. It’s no wonder the Irishman chose El Toro as his hairstylist on their TUF 31 days.

The lighthearted interaction showcased his dual talents as both an MMA fighter and professional barber- a skill he honed alongside his fighting career. Though he didn’t emerge victorious on TUF (losing via knockout to Cody Gibson), Gutierrez remains grateful for the lessons learned during his time on the show.

Since then, the promotion booked McGregor vs. Chandler for UFC 303, but an injury forced the Irishman out of the fight. UFC CEO Dana White has remained silent on the future of McGregor, and Chandler also moved on from this matchup.

Gutierrez also spoke about the Presidential dream of McGregor, stating that the UFC’s most popular star always put Ireland first. While the fighting future of ‘Mystic Mac’ remains unknown, Gutierrez felt that money changes things, and Conor McGregor taking health over violence was the best thing.

Mando Gutierrez gets real about PFL’s tournament style fighting

Now competing for The Professional Fighters League (PFL), Mando Gutierrez has the chance to rake in $500,000 cash price if successful. It will provide rising talents like ‘El Toro’ a platform to showcase his talents in possibly the second-best promotion in the world. Gutierrez is enthusiastic about PFL’s single-elimination tournament format, which offers fighters a clear roadmap to success.

I love this format. I would fight every weekend if I could… All I’ve got to do is go out there, take care of business, God willing, win each of these fights and move on to the next.

Mando Gutierrez via Exclusive FirstSportz interview
Mando Gutierrez will compete in PFL
Mando Gutierrez will compete in PFL (Image via WKAR)

The structured schedule allows him to plan ahead, a luxury often absent in MMA, and focus on securing victories leading up to the finals in August. Gutierrez also acknowledged the financial stakes involved: big bucks and big wins. For someone who has balanced MMA with careers as a barber and freelance artist, this tournament represents an opportunity to solidify fighting as his primary profession.

As April 11th approaches, Gutierrez remains grounded yet motivated by those who support him. He intends to repay the faith of his loved ones by securing a win in his next bout. From cutting hair for Conor McGregor on TUF to stepping into PFL’s bantamweight tournament, Gutierrez continues to prove why he is one of MMA’s most promising prospects.

With determination and self-belief fueling his journey, “El Toro” is ready to charge toward greatness. Last year, some surprising names went on to win the PFL tournament, which will give hope for Gutierrez to do the same this year.

Related: Amidst White House meltdown, fans should ‘forget Conor McGregor’ according to Charles Oliveira