With the main event of UFC 303 hanging in the balance, one MMA legend believes Conor McGregor will retire for good if the bout doesn't happen.
UFC has yet to officially cancel the highly anticipated bout, but rumors are circulating that the organization is scrambling to find an alternative.
Chael Sonnen recently made the bold claim that “if McGregor doesn't fight at UFC 303, he'll never fight again,” a prediction that added fuel to the already burning fires of speculation.
The anticipation for McGregor's return against Michael Chandler is palpable, but fans may have to wait longer than expected. McGregor hasn't competed since breaking his leg in his third bout with Dustin Poirier three years ago. He's been waiting for an opportunity to return.
His next fight is scheduled for June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but late-night partying and injury concerns mean it's unlikely we'll be hearing “The Foggy Dew” blaring from the speakers.
Chael Sonnen believes that if McGregor withdraws, his fighting career is over. In a video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen said, “If you think that if Conor McGregor doesn't take part in this, that he's still fighting, that he's still in the business, that he's not feeling well and he'll do it another day, or that McGregor and Chandler will fight at some point, I'm here to tell you. If anyone tells you that, you're wrong.”
He added: “If McGregor doesn't show up on June 29th and fight Michael Chandler at 170 pounds, it will be the same as Conor McGregor announcing his retirement from boxing.”
With McGregor's situation still unclear, there has been talk in the mixed martial arts world about possible replacements. Sonnen, also known as “The American Gangster,” has his own ideas about who should fill in if McGregor can't compete. The future of the UFC 303 main event remains unclear, keeping fans and fighters on edge.
