Conor McGregor was originally supposed to face Michael Chandler late last year following their contentious ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ season as head coaches. However, the fight was postponed, and although no reason was given officially, the birth of the Irishman’s fourth child and non-compliance with USADA rules were speculated to have caused this delay.

McGregor announced late last year that he would be fighting Chandler at UFC 303 in June this year. However, this was quickly shot down by the UFC as was the Dubliners idea of a UFC 300 booking. This has led to many speculations as to why the UFC is not booking the biggest star in the history of the sport, who at least based upon his public pronouncements, is eager to be back in the octagon after three years of inactivity. And verbose UFC commentator and former title contender Chael Sonnen threw his two cents in the hat and had an interesting theory for the reason behind this delay.

Sonnen thinks the UFC does not want Conor McGregor to headline

There have been many speculations around the delay behind Conor McGregor’s comeback to the UFC. While some think it is because ‘Mac’ and the UFC cannot come to an agreement about financial terms, while others feel the blame lies squarely on McGregor’s shoulders as he wants to not fight Michael Chandler and is dragging his feet to get the latter to move on.

Still others speculate that the former two-division champion may be done with fighting altogether and may be looking to retire. However, Chael Sonnen thinks that the reason behind this may be that the promotion does not see McGregor as a headliner anymore

In a recent interview with ‘The Maclife’, Conor McGregor expressed frustration at the date of his comeback being pushed back repeatedly (UFC CEO Dana White said in a recent interview that the Irishman may fight in fall this year) and said that he had “lost motivation” due to this uncertainty.

Chael Sonnen, however, speculated that the UFC wants McGregor to take a step down and be the the co-main event of a PPV card, instead of as the headliner, to which the former two-division champion champion is unwilling to agree to.

“That is a fascinating topic as to why, what is the delay [behind Conor McGregor’s comeback]. It’s a very fascinating subject that we don’t seem to have the answers so I’ve given you my speculation. My speculation is he’s a co-main event. That’s my speculation,” ‘Uncle Chael’ said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Sonnen thinks the UFC may use McGregor to build another star

Chael Sonnen felt that UFC was looking to use McGregor and his immense star power as the co-main event to build up another UFC star who will headline that card. ‘The Bad Guy’ implied that putting the whiskey baron on top of the card would not make financial sense for the promotion, saying he didn’t think the UFC “can” have McGregor headline a card on his return.

Read More: Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera Injury: “That Knee Shifted Something” – Fans Worried as BW Star Transported to Hospital After Sean O’Malley UFC 299

“I don’t think they can put him at the top of the bill, I don’t think they want to put him at the top of the bill, I don’t think they’re going to put him at the top of the bill. I think they’re going to use him on the card bring in some attention put somebody over him that’s how you would make a star if you’re playing.” Sonnen said. What do you think about Chael Sonnen’s take on McGregor’s comeback?

Read More: Benoit Saint-Denis Doubles Down on Blame Game After Claiming Antibiotics Cost Him Dustin Poirier Fight at UFC 299 – “I Fought Completely Dehydrated”