MMA Insider Adds Fuel to Back-Up Rumors for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler After Charles Oliveira’s Statement on UFC 303

Discussions surrounding the Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler fight have started to gain some steam as we are less than two months away from the biggest UFC comeback. People are wondering who could dawn the role of the backup fighter, something that Charles Oliveira expressed he wanted to do. Interestingly, ‘Do Bronx’ garnered support from Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier for wanting to be the backup for the June 29 PPV.

When Charles Olivera entered the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro to attend the UFC 301, he dropped almost every UFC fan’s jaw because he looked a lot different. After expressing his wish to be a backup fighter for Conor McGregor’s return, ‘Do Bronx’ looked like he was packing some serious amount of muscle. The former champion seems like he’s working to make sure he’s on Dana White‘s list. So with all into consideration, here’s DC’s take on the ordeal.

Daniel Cormier explains the ‘logic’ of choosing Charles Oliveira

It is not like Conor McGregor has never fought as a welterweight. He has on more than one occasion. But Daniel Cormier doesn’t seem to understand the implication of this fight because ‘The Notorious’ is primarily a lightweight star. This has led ‘DC’ to wonder, who will be chosen for the role of the backup fight – a lightweight or a welterweight?

“When you look at Conor and him having a fight in this division, is that going to be with the idea that they move towards the welterweight elite?… If there’s a backup fighter, does it come from that top 5? Maybe there’s a 155-pounder that moves,” Daniel Cormier stated on ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy‘.

Cormier pointed out the current situation with the top lightweight fighters. Some of them are waiting for a chance to fight for the golden prize and some of them just competed recently and are on hiatuses. As such, only Charles Oliveira, who willingly wants a crack at the ‘Fighting Irish’, is left in the mold, and Cormier considers the Brazilian to be the perfect backup fighter for the crucial UFC 303 PPV main event. Nevertheless, the Hall of Famer is also concerned if something could go wrong for ‘Do Bronx’ like it has happened in the past.

“It seems like Charles [Oliveira] is honestly the logical one to be the backup fighter, but is this dude going to do as the kids say, ‘fumble the bag’?” While Daniel Cormier spoke about the logical choice for the role of a backup fighter, Chael Sonnen, his co-host, weighed in on the possible gains Charles Oliveira could have if he does get to be the backup.

Chael Sonnen explains the benefits of being a backup fighter

‘The American Gangster’ doesn’t have a clue about who will fill up that backup role for the UFC 303 headliner, but he decided to explain how the backup role actually aids a fighter. Chael Sonnen thinks it will be a great opportunity for Charles Oliveira if he gets to fill up that spot. He stated, “This is a massive opportunity, and being a backup fighter used to be a really cool thing, at least in my opinion.”

Being a backup fighter helps a contender gain some good media time and promote himself/herself. This could work wonders for their next fights and media attention could help build interest for that fighter. “You got some media, you got some attention, [it] gave you a great reason to train,” Chael Sonnen added.

With less than two months to go for the fight, fans wonder what Dana White might be thinking. This is because Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler has the potential to be the biggest fight this year, at least in terms of the financial aspect, and the UFC CEO may not want to make a rash decision. We will have to watch out for White and what his final decision will be.