Ex-UFC Fighter Questions If Conor McGregor Wants To Fight Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor is expected to fight Michael Chandler inside the UFC Octagon at some point, but a former title challenger is skeptical.
McGregor and Chandler are serving as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter." The new season has begun airing on the main ESPN network. The UFC is hoping to book McGregor vs. Chandler before 2023 is out. The "Notorious" one plans on re-entering the USADA testing pool.
READ MORE: UFC CHAMPION'S CALLOUT SPARKS HEATED EXCHANGE WITH CONOR MCGREGOR
Chael Sonnen has been following McGregor's road back to MMA competition, and he isn't convinced that the Irishman actually wants to make a comeback. Here's what "The American Gangster" said about the situation on his YouTube channel.
"We don't get to ride the wave of Conor was hurt, Conor took something, Conor's playing a game with USADA, Conor's staying out of the pool until he can clear the pool," Sonnen said. "We don't get to play that game forever. At some point, we have to go to the other option, which is, 'I don't want to fight Michael Chandler for whatever reason, but I don't want to do it.' I don't know what part of that statement is the problem."
Sonnen mentioned that he doesn't believe McGregor is afraid of Chandler. He simply suggests that the "Notorious" one's heart may not be in fighting, period. Sonnen said McGregor may get the itch to fight whenever he's watching bouts or looks back at fond memories in his career. With said, he feels the motivation to fight goes away after those brief moments.
The former UFC and Bellator fighter didn't say whether or not he ultimately feels McGregor doesn't want to fight Chandler, but he did have something for fans to keep note of.
"[Does] Conor McGregor want to fight Michael Chandler? "I'm not gonna answer that, but I'll offer you this: he is electing to delay the possibility," Sonnen said.
CONOR MCGREGOR CHALLENGED BY SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER: "ANY TIME, ANY PLACE"
If you use any quotes from this article, please leave a H/T to MMA Knockout for the transcription.
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA.