“Conor mania is a very real thing” – Chael Sonnen explains why Conor McGregor should not fight on UFC 249 card

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Chael Sonnen doesn’t want Conor McGregor at UFC 249

UFC 249’s main event seems to be in tatters after Khabib Nurmagomedov cancelled his Lightweight title bout against Tony Ferguson.

The Russian is stuck at home and isn’t willing to fight given the coronavirus pandemic.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson is set for UFC 249
Khabib Nurmagomedov (L) faces off against Tony Ferguson (R) during a press conference (Digital Trends)

Chael Sonnen was speaking on YouTube. The former UFC star was asked about who could replace Khabib at UFC 249.

Although Conor McGregor has been spoken about as a fight for Ferguson, the former UFC star had another name on his mind:

“I would say Justin Gaethje. I would only say that Conor is so big and Conor can drive such a bargain at the gate.

“He would do much media and I just don’t know if I would pull the Conor card on this short notice.”

Why no McGregor at 249?

Sonnen went on to say that McGregor is a huge name and bringing him on short notice might not work for the UFC.

Conor McGregor is one of the biggest names in the business
Conor McGregor reacts before taking on Donald Cerrone in their welterweight bout during UFC246 (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

The former UFC star also spoke about people flying in from Ireland to watch McGregor, something that would not happen due to the coronavirus pandemic:

“Conor mania is a very real thing. If you can have a press tour, if you can sell out arenas the way that Conor and Floyd [Mayweather] did with no chance of a fight breaking out on a weekday in the afternoon.

“There is something very special, give yourself a little breathing room because if you are just looking to find an interim championship, and that’s what it would be if Khabib was out. It would be for an interim championship.

“Bringing Justin Gaethje to the table solves all of the problems in the short term. Then you do have to figure out what you have to do with Conor and Khabib and Tony.”

Gaethje had been linked with a fight against McGregor. However, it will be interesting to see what the UFC does.

Justin Gaethje is one of the top stars in the UFC presently
Justin Gaethje celebrates his win over challenger Luis Firmino (not shown) (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

UFC 249 is just a couple of weeks away, and hopefully, we have a proper card with some interesting clashes for all.

Ferguson vs Gaethje would be great, but having McGregor back could make for a brilliant bout too.

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