Chael Sonnen Says ‘Inactivity Was Major Factor’ for Conor McGregor’s Downfall

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen spoke out on his ESPN show alongside Ariel Helwani in the wake of UFC 257. The most recent pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi was one of the most talked-about cards in recent memory. It’s easy to see why considering the manner in which the main event ended up going.

Conor McGregor suffered the first TKO loss of his illustrious MMA career in the main event against Dustin Poirier. ‘The Diamond’ executed the perfect game plan that saw him capitalize on McGregor’s wide stance. He ambushed the Irishman with well-timed leg kicks and earned the TKO finish on the feet.

Conor McGregor’s loss has set him away from the title picture and also possibly pulled the plug on massive boxing opportunities. There’s plenty of debate as to his viability as a top contender in the division’s ranks. Chael Sonnen debated just that with Helwani and took a comprehensive look at UFC 257’s main event.

Chael Sonnen digs into Conor McGregor

‘The American Gangster explained that in order to truly understand his recent loss, it’s important to look back at their first contest. Chiefly, the UFC 257 was a rematch from around 6 years ago where McGregor knocked out Poirier cold. Subsequently, Sonnen turned his attention to January 23, 2021, where it all went down.

On ESPN MMA, he said, “That was not a competitive fight. Conor went out there and caught Dustin Poirier. He dominated him out and knocked him out, all in less than two minutes. I bring that to you because even though the second fight went about seven minutes, the one completed round went to Dustin Poirier. I thought the takedown was surprising.”

“I don’t think anyone was more surprised by it than Dustin Poirier. It was a half-hearted takedown, I thought that Conor was fading. I thought that the chopping down of the legs, there was a lot that happened in seven minutes… It was the improvements by Poirier, the decline of McGregor. I was surprised.”

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‘The American Gangster’ teaches a lesson

Additionally, Sonnen made sure to relay his sentiments towards McGregor’s post-fight explanation for his loss. The Division one All-American wrestler from Oregon state explicitly explained the difference between an excuse and a reason.

“What Conor was talking about after the fact that he blamed the outcome of the contest on inactivity, I take that as a reason. I think that’s fair. You and I questioned this going in…in all fairness, Conor was right. I think inactivity is a thing.”

“I think that’s foreshadowing, I don’t think this is the last time you’re gonna see it…It makes me more interested in part three. I do think Conor does learn somethings, I do think Conor knocks some rust off.”

Regardless of the circumstances, ‘The Notorious’ has his work cut out for him. The Irishman will have to head back to the drawing board and figure out what’s next. It’s imperative for his brand that he puts on a statement victory in his next performance.