Conor McGregor’s recent injury forced him out of his scheduled fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. However, Chael Sonnen, the outspoken MMA analyst, isn’t convinced that the rematch will happen anytime soon.
The Injury and McGregor’s Return
Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) withdrew from the bout due to an undisclosed injury. While Daniel Cormier believes Chandler should move on, Sonnen points out that there aren’t many lucrative options for the former title challenger. Chandler, a big star, lacks an opponent who generates the same drama and excitement as McGregor.
Chael Sonnen’s Take on Conor McGregor’s Return
Sonnen doesn’t anticipate the rematch taking place in 2024. He doubts that McGregor is genuinely injured, suggesting that there might be some fibbing going on. Despite McGregor’s public confidence in a return, Sonnen remains skeptical. He acknowledges the importance of health but questions the prolonged delay and the lack of clarity surrounding McGregor’s situation.
“Do we see this in 2024? Not a chance,” Sonnen said.
“McGregor’s not hurt,” Sonnen said. “I don’t know if we’re making TV or how much we’re supposed to play along. Conor McGregor is not injured and it’s a very tough spot when he has the people that are coming out speaking for him that have been filled in, and they all sworn to secrecy. They don’t want to cover because the truth always comes out.
“It’s a little bit of a tricky situation. I am disappointed. I don’t want to give Conor a hard time, and I am for the idea that health comes first. He’s known about this for well over a year. They were supposed to fight in June of last year. … Now we are here. There was USADA talk. He entered the pool. They were going to make a movie, back-and-forth, up and down. One thing that McGregor always does is what McGregor wants to do.”
While fans hope for a Conor McGregor-Chandler rematch, Sonnen’s prediction is clear: “Not a chance.” Whether McGregor’s injury is genuine or not, the uncertainty surrounding his return leaves the fight’s fate hanging in the balance
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