MMA News Roundup: UFC veteran has a conspiracy theory about Khamzat Chimaev, Justin Gaethje makes bold prediction about Conor McGregor's career, Molly McCann plans to "headlock" Dana White
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about a UFC veteran making speculations about Khamzat Chimaev, Justin Gaethje commenting on Conor McGregor's future in the UFC, and more.
#3. Chael Sonnen believes Khamzat Chimaev is the backup fighter for Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira
For someone who frequently gets his predictions wrong, Chael Sonnen claims to have inside knowledge about a lot of things. His most recent claim is that Khamzat Chimaev is the backup fighter for UFC 281 headliner Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira.
In an episode of his podcast Beyond the Fight, Sonnen brought up how Vicente Luque was revealed to be the backup fighter for Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington, and speculated that Khamzat Chimaev will have a similar opportunity handed to him:
"So now, we would essentially be bringing in a backup fighter that is gonna have an air of redundancy should they get in there with Adesanya, unless the backup fighter is Chimaev. Now, that's the rumor. That's the speculation. That's the conspiracy."
Watch Sonnen's comments at the 6:50 mark below:
There has been no official confirmation from Chimaev or the UFC, but Sonnen's words cannot be entirely ignored either given the current superstardom of 'Borz'.
#2. Justin Gaethje believes Conor McGregor will never fight for a UFC title again
Justin Gaethje believes Conor McGregor is not coming back to competitive fighting.
Speaking to ESPN's Marc Raimondi, 'The Highlight' stated that even though fans are speculating that he will be the Irishman's comeback fight, there's "zero chance" that it happens:
"I mean I lost, so there is a much greater chance that that will happen. He only fights people coming off losses and here we are. I don't think it's gonna happen at all. I think there's about a zero percent chance."
Gaethje added that he believes McGregor might return for fights that have entertainment value, such as a Jorge Masvidal bout, but never again for competition or titles:
"I don't think he fights. I mean a fight for purely, strictly, entertainment value, possibly. But as far as coming back and being a competitive athlete, trying to fight for a title, absolutely never again."
Watch the interview below:
#1. Molly McCann plans to beg Dana White for a stadium event in London
Fight fans from the UK have been trying for a long time to convince Dana White to host an event at a stadium in London, but the UFC president is yet to yield. In fact, in response to Paddy Pimblett's request for a card at Anfield Stadium, White said on record that he was "definitely never going outside in f***ing England."
Pimblett's close friend Molly McCann plans to step in and take matters into her own hands.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA's Andrew Whitelaw, 'Meatball' said that after her fight at UFC 281, she will put Dana White in a "headlock" and beg him:
"I hear the date's set and I hear some fights being booked but I'm still not sure. So when I win, I'll be headlocking Dana White. I'm begging him to bring it to a stadium."
Watch the exclusive interview below: