Chael Sonnen has outlined why Conor McGregor continues to be the UFC’s hottest determine heading into 2026, even after staying inactive for almost 5 years.
Whereas ‘The Infamous’ has expressed curiosity in combating on the UFC White Home Card and is doing all the things he can to return this 12 months on June 14, Sonnen thinks the Irishman will almost certainly retire.
Sonnen says that McGregor retired the day he pulled out of his UFC 303 combat in opposition to Michael Chandler in 2024. The UFC Corridor of Famer holds the identical stance up to now.
In his view, McGregor is marketing himself to maintain the fighter’s picture alive, realizing that if the picture dies, the particular person follows. Subsequently, regardless of ‘The Infamous’ placing out coaching clips and extra to make followers understand how excited he’s to return and face Chandler, Sonnen isn’t satisfied.
Nonetheless, the 48-year-old believes McGregor to be the primary fighter in 2026, regardless of not having thrown a punch in years.
The UFC Hall of Famer says Conor possesses one thing extra valuable than a UFC belt, that’s, the “mandate of the plenty.”
“My bigger level shouldn’t be the ability or the suggestive energy that Conor wields, however Conor’s obtained the largest factor that you would be able to have on this sport, which is the mandate of the plenty. Way more essential than having a belt. Way more essential on this area than having million-dollar paydays or important occasions, or back-end participation. When you’ve got the mandate of the plenty, as a byproduct, I imply, simply just by default, you’ll have important occasions, title alternatives, backend factors, and participations.”
Try Chael Sonnen’s feedback beneath (2:40):
Michael Chandler confirms Conor McGregor showdown
As per Michael Chandler, he and Conor McGregor will combat on the UFC White Home card. ‘Iron’ had beforehand stated that ‘The Infamous’ has introduced in guys in his coaching camp to imitate Chandler’s fashion, and the combat is a finished deal. Each have verbally confirmed the bout.
Most just lately, Chandler said this on the CBS NYE broadcast:
“It does sound like I’ll be handing Conor McGregor a great ol’ customary bu*t whooping on the South Garden of the White Home someday this summer season. That’s the plan.”
Try Michael Chandler’s feedback beneath:
