MMA legend Chael Sonnen has unleashed a scathing critique of Conor McGregor’s potential return to the octagon, branding the idea as “insane.” The former UFC title challenger’s comments have sent shockwaves through the MMA community, reigniting debates about the Irishman’s fighting future.
Sonnen’s stark warning: McGregor’s comeback concerns
In a candid interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chael Sonnen didn’t mince words when discussing Conor McGregor’s status within the UFC. The outspoken analyst expressed significant doubts about “The Notorious” ever stepping back into competitive action, citing a series of concerning factors:
- McGregor’s recent withdrawal from a high-profile bout
- Questions surrounding his injury recovery
- Concerns about his ability to protect himself in the octagon
Sonnen’s critique centered on McGregor’s last-minute cancellation of his anticipated matchup against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. The event, slated for June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was poised to break gate records with an estimated $25 million in ticket sales. However, McGregor’s sudden withdrawal left fans and organizers in disbelief.
The former double champion’s excuse of a discolored pinky toe injury raised eyebrows throughout the MMA world. Sonnen, in particular, found the justification lacking, stating, “If you pull out of a fight because of a discolored pinky toe, which may or may not be yours, or may or may not be broken, you’re not fighting again. That’s just the truth.”
The precarious path to McGregor’s UFC return
Sonnen’s skepticism extends beyond McGregor’s recent withdrawal. He highlighted several obstacles that could impede the Irish superstar’s comeback:
| Obstacle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Injury recovery | Comparison to Chris Weidman’s struggle to return from a similar leg injury |
| Athletic commission approval | Concerns about sanctioning McGregor’s return given his injury history |
| Performance expectations | Pressure to compete in five-round main events despite lengthy layoff |
The “Bad Guy” drew a stark comparison between McGregor and Chris Weidman, who faced significant hurdles in his comeback from a severe leg injury. Sonnen argued that if Weidman, known for his discipline and dedication, struggled to return to form, it’s unrealistic to expect a different outcome for the notoriously unpredictable McGregor.
Sonnen emphasized, “Whatever adult allows Conor McGregor to return with the same exact injury that Chris Weidman had now – with Chris Weidman being possibly the most disciplined guy in the sport (and) Conor being the most undisciplined guy in the sport? The laws of logic disqualify that.”
The ‘insanity’ of booking McGregor in five-round fights
One of Sonnen’s most pointed criticisms revolves around the expectations placed on McGregor upon his potential return. The analyst finds it incredulous that the UFC would consider booking the Irishman in five-round main events, given his extended absence and injury concerns.
Sonnen elaborated on this point, stating:
- McGregor’s ability to protect himself is questionable
- Booking him in five-round fights is “insane”
- The pressure to perform at a high level immediately is unrealistic
“The basic rule is ‘protect yourself at all times’. Conor McGregor is not in a position with anybody under contract at the UFC to protect himself at all times. It’s a silly proposition, and that is just the truth,” Sonnen declared.
He further emphasized the irresponsibility of such a decision, adding, “If you’re talking about any level of responsibility, you can’t book him. And you definitely can’t book him in a five-round fight. That’s insane.”
McGregor’s star power vs. UFC’s responsibility
Despite his harsh critique, Sonnen acknowledged the undeniable appeal of a McGregor comeback. The former UFC star recognized the excitement and business potential surrounding “The Notorious,” but he insisted that these factors shouldn’t overshadow the ethical considerations of allowing McGregor to compete.
Sonnen expressed his conflicted feelings, stating, “I also want in on the Conor business. I also want to cover him and have him back. And it’s different when he’s there – I acknowledge the fun.”
However, he quickly followed up with a sobering reality check: “But if you’re talking about any level of responsibility, you can’t book him.”
This internal struggle highlights the broader debate within the MMA community: balancing the allure of star power with the duty to protect fighters’ well-being. Sonnen’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the serious considerations that must be weighed when discussing McGregor’s potential return to the octagon.
As the MMA world continues to speculate on Conor McGregor’s fighting future, Chael Sonnen’s candid assessment adds a critical voice to the conversation. Whether the UFC and athletic commissions will heed these warnings remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the road back to competitive MMA for the “Notorious” one is fraught with challenges that extend far beyond the physical realm.
