Conor McGregor finds a fan in Chael Sonnen following his reaction to Oliveira vs. Chandler: "When the real CM shows up, it’s refreshing"
Conor McGregor's reaction to Michael Chandler's newly announced rematch against Charles Oliveira has been refreshing to see, according to Chael Sonnen.
Last night, the UFC confirmed that Chandler would finally be returning to the octagon, however, it won't be against 'The Notorious'. 'Iron' will instead be facing off against Oliveira at UFC 309 in a rematch of their 2021 bout. The Brazilian got the better of Chandler on the night, finishing him in the second round to capture the vacant lightweight title.
Following the fight announcement, McGregor appeared at the BKFC 66 post-fight presser, where he was asked for his immediate thoughts on the news. In a seemingly rare and out of character moment as of late, the Irishman gave a raw and honest assessment of the situation and his position with the UFC. He said:
"I got tested today. I'm the most tested athlete on the roster by more than twice the amount...Yet I struggle to get a date...As far as Chandler rematching Oliveira, I'm happy with the date. It's November. Maybe we can still do it after if they're not gonna line me out until December or January...I'm just a bit out of the loop with it...I have two fights left on the contract and it's taking a minute."
Sonnen then responded to a clip of Conor McGregor's comments on X, where he admitted it was "refreshing" to see shooting straight from the hip. He wrote:
"I’ve enjoyed the gimmick yet i gotta say that when the real CM shows up, it’s refreshing. This was as straight as a shoot gets. I’m a fan."
Check out Chael Sonnen's response and Conor McGregor's comments here:
Michael Chandler explains decision to face Charles Oliveira rather than wait for Conor McGregor
Michael Chandler has opened up on his decision to rematch Charles Oliveira rather than continue to wait to face Conor McGregor. The pair will now headline the upcoming UFC 309 card , which takes place on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, 'Iron' admitted he had grown tired of waiting for the Irishman, and instead believes a win over Oliveira would all but guarantee him a lightweight title shot. He said:
"Now I get the opportunity to make a title run. I beat Charles Oliveira, I become the No. 1. I beat Charles Oliveira, I can choose to go fight Islam [Makhachev] or Arman [Tsarukyan]. I believe it's going to be Islam... This is the ultimate bet on yourself. I think you guys must have forgotten who I am."
Check out Michael Chandler's comments here (0:33):