“If Conor Wasn’t on That Stage…”: Half a Decade and $100 Million Later, UFC Legend Reveals Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather Wouldn’t Be as Successful as It Was Without the Irishman’s Presence

Conor McGregor has truly stood out in the combat sports world, not merely due to his exceptional fighting prowess, but also because of the remarkable character he embodies. This unique combination has propelled him to become one of the most prominent figures and the wealthiest MMA fighter in history.

One moment that truly exemplified the Irishman’s star power was his highly anticipated boxing match against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Despite ultimately losing the match, McGregor’s performance in the ring garnered widespread praise, further elevating his image as a multifaceted athlete. In addition to the personal triumphs gained from stepping into the boxing ring, McGregor’s bank account received a substantial boost, with reports suggesting he earned a staggering $100 million from the encounter.

Recently, the renowned UFC legend Chael Sonnen revisited this iconic showdown and acknowledged McGregor’s immense contribution to this crossover event’s success.

Chael Sonnen lauds Conor McGregor’s star power

Chael Sonnen recently released a video in which he discussed the rumored fight between Jon Jones and Tyson Fury. While the reports about the potential clash between the UFC heavyweight champion and the WBC heavyweight champion have been grabbing all the attention, Sonnen has raised some questions regarding its potential success compared to the McGregor vs. Mayweather spectacle.

The former UFC title challenger said, “The numbers and the level of success that was Conor versus Floyd are amongst the most embellished things in sports history.” He further added, “Do you believe that Floyd Mayweather carried his weight? Do you believe, looking back, that you could do a four venue over two different countries, on week days to sold out capacity arenas if Conor wasn’t on that stage?”

The 46-year-old also stated, “Once we realize that Floyd versus Conor doesn’t work if Conor doesn’t show up, then who is it that we are counting on in Tyson versus Jones?”

Read more: Conor McGregor’s “Passionate” Interaction With Floyd Mayweather Sr. Gets MMA World Buzzing: “Conor Really Is Just One Big Fanboy”

Interestingly, there were rumors circulating about a potential rematch between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather at one point. However, the UFC superstar declined the offer. Fast forward to today, McGregor’s comeback to the sport after his devastating leg injury in 2021 is now losing hope.

‘The Notorious’ is not returning this year?

The Dublin native was expected to meet the deadline of June 16 to enter the USADA testing pool, a crucial step for his participation in the year’s final pay-per-view event at UFC 296. However, reports indicate that McGregor has reportedly failed to meet the deadline, casting a dark shadow over the hopes of witnessing him step into the octagon this year against Michael Chandler.

McGregor’s failure to enter the USADA pool has not only jeopardized his chances of competing but has also dampened the excitement surrounding a potential fight. No official comments have been made by ‘The Notorious’ or the UFC in regard to the fight.

But if we go by the math, it is unlikely that McGregor is making a return this year. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.

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