“I’m confident in telling you for sure it won’t be Max,” said Chael Sonnen, addressing the ongoing speculation surrounding Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon.
McGregor, who has not fought since July 2021, is reportedly eyeing a comeback at 170lbs. Sonnen emphasized, “The only thing that I know about the Conor fight is that it will not be lower than 170 pounds.” This statement comes as McGregor is believed to walk around at close to 200lbs, raising questions about his readiness for a return.
Historically, McGregor faced Max Holloway in 2013, winning by unanimous decision. However, Sonnen’s insights suggest that Holloway may not be a viable opponent this time due to weight class differences.
As the UFC community anticipates McGregor’s next move, the former champion has expressed a desire to face Michael Chandler in his first fight since his injury. “It’s going to be a main event, there’s going to be a lot of money, and generally that’s going to attract a pretty good dance partner,” Sonnen added, hinting at the lucrative nature of McGregor’s return.
In the mix of potential opponents, Ian Garry is also considered a likely candidate for McGregor’s comeback fight. Meanwhile, a fourth bout with Dustin Poirier, who has now retired, remains a topic of discussion but seems less likely.
Betting odds currently favor Max Holloway at 6/4 to face McGregor, despite Sonnen’s strong assertions against this matchup. Additionally, Jorge Masvidal has been ruled out after rejecting a recent fight opportunity, further narrowing the field.
McGregor’s last fight was against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 on July 10, 2021, a bout that ended in a loss for the Irish fighter. As the UFC prepares for McGregor’s return, details remain unconfirmed regarding both the date and his opponent.
With the UFC community buzzing about McGregor’s potential fight, all eyes will be on July, when his next bout is reportedly expected to take place. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how McGregor will navigate the challenges of returning to the octagon after such a lengthy hiatus.
