Former two-division champion Conor McGregor is finally returning to the Octagon. UFC CEO Dana White recently announced the news in a press conference. McGregor will take on his long-time rival, Michael Chandler, at International Fight Week on June 29. Surprisingly, the fight will occur in the 170-pound division, which has raised some questions.
Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen has been active on his Social Media since the announcement. Rumors now suggest that the fight can happen in the new 165-pound division. What implications will that have on the promotion? Well, the 47-year-old has the answer for you.
UFC insider reveals the real problem with the fight happening at 165 pounds
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It was Conor McGregor who initially revealed that he would be facing Chandler at the 185-pound division. Many fans believed this was just a mind game played by the Dubliner. However, it is now evident that the pair will not face each other in the original weight class. Sonnen recently took to his YouTube channel to share his verdict on the fight. There have been rumors circulating that a new 165-pound division might be introduced by the UFC. The idea might seem very happening, but ‘The American Gangster’ doesn’t quite endorse it.
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Sonnen, in his recent YouTube video, pointed out the problems UFC would face because of this. He said, “Any athlete would like any championship opportunity any time that they could get it. So if you had not yet agreed to the fight. All of a sudden, you’re behind the scenes. Nobody ever’s going to find out. You start putting your foot down. I’ll only do this if there is a discussion that would take place for that belt. But once the fight is announced, and it’s agreed on. There now is no room for negotiating. And therefore the title would not be going up. And that title would create a lot of problems.”
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The inclusion of the 165-pound division has certainly divided the UFC community. While some feel it’s an opportunity, others feel it’s a liability. Talking about the latest rumors, Big John McCarthy and Josh ‘The Punk’ Thomson shared their insights on the matter.
UFC veterans share their opinions about a possible new division
UFC CEO Dana White has time and again dismissed claims of any new division. However, this has been a topic of discussion for many experts. In a recent episode of their ‘Weighing In’ podcast, McCarthy and Thomson discussed the return of McGregor. The pair denied believing that a new division would be introduced for the former two-division champion. However, they did agree to the fact that the promotion would benefit, with the Dubliner becoming the champion.
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McCarthy, in his latest podcast, said, “I recently had a conversation with a person that is a well-known employee of the UFC and stuff. I got nothing as far as this being a title fight but it definitely could be and if you if you’re the UFC and you’re going to do this, really it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you put it as the fight with Chandler and Conor and it makes sense because they do better with Conor being a champion. ”
However, with time in hand, can the fans expect something new from the UFC Head Honcho? Will Conor McGregor fight in a completely new division? Let us know in the comments.