Chael Sonnen Asks Welterweights to Copy the Likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, and Other Lightweights

Published 03/03/2021, 5:00 AM EST

Former UFC middleweight and light-heavyweight title challenger, Chael Sonnen, had a go at the 170lbs division of the UFC. According to the ‘Bad Guy’, none of the top contenders of the welterweight division wants to fight and they are ‘fake tough guys’.

The UFC’s welterweight division is one of the most stacked and watched divisions of the promotion. However, Sonnen is frustrated with the current stalemate between the top contenders at 170, as none of them are seemingly willing to share the Octagon with one another. On the contrary, one might argue that the pool of talent is probably the deepest in the UFC.

In a recent episode of Victory Loves Company, Sonnen appeared with James Lynch and Jim West. He explained his frustration and appealed to the welterweights to follow the example set by the lightweights of the promotion.

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“I don’t know what’s going on at 170lbs. There’s never been a time where you have a more collective group of fake tough guys ever. I mean, these guys, none of the top-five guys want to fight one another. The only guy that’s willing to fight (Khamzat Chimaev) is hopefully getting better on a COVID bed right now. He’s the one that’s willing to put in the hard work but simply can’t do it,” said Sonnen.

“Meanwhile, you juxtapose that with 155, where that’s it’s iron-on-iron and they’re all ready to step in there. Gaethje, Chandler, Charlie Olives, McGregor, Poirier, and they’re willing to do it, man. If you’re not willing to do it, you’re out. You’re out of the club.”

Does Chael Sonnen have a point here?

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UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, recently defended his belt against Gilbert Burns. But, there are other top contenders who are seemingly in question. Jorge Masvidal hasn’t fought since his UFC 251 loss to Usman. Leon Edwards hasn’t competed in almost 2 years.

The former interim champion Colby Covington is looking to get back to title contention yet again. However, he can’t seem to get an opponent. So, UFC enthusiasts and observers may assume that the overall landscape of the division is messed up.

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What did you make of Chael Sonnen’s comments? Let us know.

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Written by:

Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.

Chael Sonnen Asks Welterweights to Copy the Likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, and Other Lightweights

Does Chael Sonnen have a point here?

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