Chael Sonnen questioned the choice for Conor McGregor 's return to the octagon. In the view of the former title challenger, the rematch against Max Holloway , scheduled to headline UFC 329 this Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA), was not the most interesting matchup to mark the Irishman's return after five years away from competition.
During an appearance on Ariel Helwani's YouTube channel, the American admitted to being surprised by the organization's decision to rematch McGregor and Holloway. The two-time champion defeated the Hawaiian by unanimous decision in 2013, in their first encounter.
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“Why would he want Max? He already beat him. I thought it was the worst possible fight. I was surprised the UFC went in that direction. When the story is over, we'll talk about the three fights he had with Dustin Poirier and the two with Nate, and we'll probably want another one with Nate. And then, it's Max again,” Sonnen stated.
The American believes the UFC missed an opportunity to promote a unique matchup for the Irish star's return, arguing that new opponents would generate more public interest than a rematch against the Hawaiian.
"It would be fascinating to see him against Chandler, him against Luffy. Anything new," added Anderson Silva 's former rival.
Despite Sonnen's criticism, the organization maintained its bet on the rivalry. The duel marks the return of 'The Notorious' after a long period of inactivity and pits two of the biggest names in the organization's history against each other. While Holloway seeks to avenge the defeat suffered more than a decade ago and frustrate the star's triumphant return to MMA.
Period of inactivity increases pressure on McGregor
McGregor promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
At 37 years old, McGregor is trying to end a drought that has lasted more than six years. His last victory was in January 2020, when he defeated Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. Since then, the Irishman has suffered two consecutive defeats to Dustin Poirier and has not competed again after suffering a serious leg fracture during a fight in July 2021.
The long period away from the sport has transformed the duel against Holloway into one of the most important moments of his recent career. A victory could put the former champion back among the organization's top topics, while another defeat would increase doubts about his ability to compete at a high level.
First fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway
The fight took place at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston in August 2013, early in both fighters' UFC careers. Conor had the advantage, winning by unanimous decision. The fight occurred years before the Irishman won the featherweight title in 2015 and became the first to win two weight classes in the UFC, in 2016 against Eddie Alvarez in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg).
Max Holloway , former BMF champion, won the title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 with a historic knockout in the final 10 seconds and defended it against Dustin Poirier before losing to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March. Before moving up a weight class, the Hawaiian won the featherweight title and defended it four times.
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