With the main event of UFC 303 hanging in the balance, one MMA legend believes Conor McGregor will never fight again if the bout doesn't happen.
While the world's premier mixed martial arts organization has not officially canceled the highly anticipated bout, rumors are circulating that the organization is frantically searching for Plans B, C and D.
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Chael Sonnen claims he'll retire if Conor McGregor doesn't fight at UFC 303
The whole world is collectively excited about Conor McGregor making his long-awaited return to action against Michael Chandler, but unfortunately, they may have to wait a little longer if they are to see their hero return to action again.
Unfortunately, since breaking his leg in his third bout against Dustin Poirier three years ago, “The Notorious” has had to wait in the wilderness, desperately hoping for an opportunity to return.
Unfortunately, with his next fight on paper scheduled for June 29 at UFC 303 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, it's unlikely we'll be hearing “The Foggy Dew” blasting from the speakers.
With stories of late-night partying and injuries circulating in media outlets around the world, there are very real concerns that the biggest star in UFC history may not compete in his upcoming bout — and Chael Sonnen believes that if that happens, he may never fight again.
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In a video on his YouTube channel, he explained: “If Conor McGregor isn't taking part in this, I'm here to tell you what you all think – that he's still fighting, that he's still fighting in the business, that he's not feeling well and will do it another day. He and Chandler are going to fight at some point. If anyone tells you that, that's just misinformation.”
“If McGregor does not show up on June 29th and fight Michael Chandler at 170 pounds, it will be the exact same as Conor McGregor announcing his retirement from boxing.”
With the Irishman's status currently unknown, members of the martial arts community have been putting forward names as possible replacements, and there's only one man that “American Gangster” believes is a good fit.
Chael Sonnen believes Max Holloway could fight Michael Chandler for the BMF belt
Losing Conor McGregor will be a blow, but Chandler vs. Max Holloway for the BMF title is sure to be a hotly anticipated bout, and it's a matchup that has captured Sonnen's imagination.
In an interview with The MMA Hour, the popular athlete explained: “Right now he’s waiting on $23 million in box office revenue. [and] It's not sold out. That's another reason. The fact that he got $23 million is very good in terms of giving the impression that he sold out. It's possible that he didn't sell out and he ended up getting $28 million in admissions. He's beating himself. That's worth noting.
This comes after Dana White confirmed that UFC 303 had already broken the record for the biggest attendance in the promotion's history.
“So if you ask me what the pain is and if there is any replacement, the answer is no, there is only one Conor McGregor. [and] If you replace him and keep the card as intact as possible, meaning keep Chandler in the main event, the only person you can replace him with is Max Holloway, who holds the BMF belt at 155 pounds.
“But they might as well pull Chandler altogether because that's their only option. Bring in Max and [Ilia] The current situation for Topuria may be such that there will be some competition for it.
“But make no mistake, there is only one Conor McGregor. Everyone acts like there isn't one, but there is. O'Malley is going after him, there are other guys going after him, but we're not there yet.”
But while simply replacing the Dubliner is one idea, there are other attractive options and a match between the two would be met with excitement.
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