Conor McGregor’s return to competition at UFC 300 may not be the right move according to Chael Sonnen. The Irish superstar was set to face ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler after TUF 31 this year. However, roadblocks in the form of McGregor’s presence in the USADA testing pool led to the fight falling through. McGregor has already stated that he has now submitted his samples for testing and with the UFC’s new testing protocols kicking in from next year, Sonnen has provided a compelling argument against his return at UFC 300.
On his YouTube channel, Sonnen clarified that the McGregor vs. Chandler bout, despite its high anticipation, doesn’t align with UFC 300. And the reason he has provided gives an interesting look at the implications this matchup will have on the future of the lightweight division. Let’s take a look at what he had to say!
Chael Sonnen is against Conor McGregor fighting at UFC 300
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Conor McGregor’s return against Michael Chandler does not have an official date yet. In a recent interview on the ‘Bussin with The Boys’ podcast, UFC CEO Dana White claimed that the negotiations are almost done and there’s a possibility of the fight happening in the “summer”.
Despite no official confirmations, reports online indicate that UFC 300 will happen in April 2024. Therefore it’s interesting to note the reasons Sonnen provides behind why the historic card doesn’t make sense for the McGregor vs Chandler bout.
Chael Sonnen expressed that the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight is unlikely to headline UFC 300. He pointed out, “I think you’re not going to have Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler on the top of a bill at 300. Because that fight does not have a significance within the division. This is not an elimination fight, the winner of this fight does not then go in to a title fight.”
Sonnen emphasized that the fight is personal, promised, and built up, making it necessary. Despite being an exciting matchup, he notes that McGregor was surprisingly favored in the fight! He stated, “Conor McGregor came out and was the favorite to this two and a half to one, and moved to 2 to 1, which surprised me. I thought not for nothing, they were for sure going to have Chandler have, just on the activity.”
Despite the personal and promised nature of the matchup, Sonnen questions its place at the top of UFC 300. He also highlighted its essence and the unexpected favoritism towards McGregor.
As negotiations unfold, fans await confirmation on the specifics of McGregor’s return and the intriguing matchup with Chandler. However, Ariel Helwani has come out and stated that UFC 300 might be better for McGregor’s return than the UFC thinks!
Ariel Helwani wants the UFC to rethink its plans for McGregor
Ariel Helwani recently shed light on the UFC’s hesitation in confirming Conor McGregor’s return for UFC 300. Despite McGregor’s eagerness to stay active in his career, Helwani suggests the promotion might have been strategically planned to maximize McGregor’s star power in other events.
While acknowledging the business perspective, Helwani stated, “Conor’s ready to go, who knows how many fights he has left in him, he’s foaming at the mouth, he’s almost begging for a fight. Put him on that damn card”
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The commentary underscores the ongoing negotiation dynamics. And the potential impact on McGregor’s involvement in the highly anticipated UFC 300, creating anticipation among fans for the official confirmation!
Do you think Chael Sonnen is right in his assessment of the Chandler vs McGregor bout? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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