Chael Sonnen proposes BMF title fight if Conor McGregor pulls out of UFC 303

MMA rumors have been flying since June 3, when the press conference for UFC 303 was canceled at the last minute. McGregor explained that it was canceled “due to a series of obstacles beyond our control,” but that hasn't stopped fans from speculating that the bout is in jeopardy.

Speaking on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast on June 3, Sonnen suggested a possible matchup if McGregor withdraws.

“I’m confident that Conor will face Michael Chandler, I can say that with confidence,” Sonnen said, “but if he doesn’t, the BMF will be Michael Chandler vs. Max Holloway. [belt] It's a fight to get an appointment.”

Holloway would undoubtedly stand to gain big if he were to fill McGregor's void at the top of a major PPV, but it puts him in an interesting position to be in. His knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 may have qualified him as a challenger in two weight classes. “Blessed” has a lot of clout, and Holloway may not want to give it up for another full title fight.

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Holloway is in title negotiations with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who hopes to fight for the BMF belt when the two meet later this year. Many would agree that pinning the BMF belt at championship level defeats its purpose, gimmick or not, and Holloway vs. Chandler would be a great way to move the belt down a few divisions.

As it stands, Holloway vs. Topuria might be UFC's biggest fight of the year, outside of matchups with McGregor or Jon Jones.

Speaking at the UFC 302 press conference, UFC CEO Dana White denied rumors about an upcoming BMF title fight. UFC frontman White told reporters: “We’re working on a lot right now. [Vegas] The sphere is approaching… let's work it out.”

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