The world has been waiting for Conor McGregor‘s return. While many expect him to return to the UFC, others believe a BKFC fight will bring him back into action. But what if we told you he’s already been picked for another fight? That’s because ESPN MMA recently contacted Chael Sonnen in his DMs and asked him who he would choose as his partner for a 2v2 street fight. While many expected him to pick a partner to help him win, ‘The American Gangster’ chose Conor McGregor as an act of charity instead. So, what did he say?

It’s not every day that a former UFC title challenger offers to carry another fighter to victory, but Chael Sonnen did just that—and by doing so, he may have transformed Conor McGregor into the punchline of the week. When ESPN MMA slid into Sonnen’s DMs to ask who he’d choose as a tag partner for a 2v2 brawl, the self-proclaimed “Bad Guy” did not hesitate. He picked ‘The Notorious,’ not for his firepower or past greatness, but because he is “well-rested” and, more amusingly, “overdue for a win.” In fact, ‘The American Gangster’ stated that he didn’t even need McGregor’s assistance since he would fight the two men himself.

He said, “Conor. Because it’s been so long since he’s fought, he’s well-rested. And it’s been so long since he’s won, he’s overdue. All I need are his percentages & probabilities. I’ll fight the 2 guys myself.” That’s an answer that’s both great and brutal. Sonnen’s response, a subtle jab disguised as sarcasm, represents what many fans and pundits have quietly begun to believe: McGregor, once the UFC’s golden goose, is now more sideshow than real threat. He has not competed in four years, and his last victory was in 2020. Since then, his focus has shifted from the Octagon to businesses, celebrity appearances, and even politics. While he periodically hints at a comeback, none of them have come to fruition.

Conor McGregor’s most recent headline moment came not from a UFC announcement but from a bold tease at Knucklemania V, where he hinted about fighting in bare-knuckle boxing. “One of these days,” he said, “you’ll see my music coming on to the stage… and I’ll come with my fists wrapped, with no gloves.” It was typical Conor McGregor—big on bravado but low on substance. But, as exciting as bare-knuckle fantasies seem, his UFC contract still has two fights left, ruling him out of any such intentions unless the company gives him the green light. But what about the street fight? That is something fans would love to see. In fact, MMA fans cannot stop talking about the hilarious response by Chael Sonnen.

Fight fans join forces to mock Conor McGregor

The internet quickly turned Chael Sonnen’s jab into a full-fledged roast session. After all, only ‘The American Gangster’ could toss out a line about carrying a street fight solo and have people believe he could pull it off. The concept of him picking ‘The Notorious’ solely to give him a “charity win” went over well with the MMA crowd, especially given how long it had been since the Irishman had tasted victory. According to one fan, “Chael literally tryna give Connor a charity win😭.” Another fan chimed in with peak Sonnen lore, saying, “Everybody knows Chael can fight a whole restaurant.” And the victory parade didn’t end there—“Chael goes undefeated once more!” one commented, while another added, “I’m pretty sure Chael has a more recent legit win than Conor.” The comments were completely chaotic, with no punches pulled for sure.

Meanwhile, McGregor became the butt of the joke. Fans laughed not only at the scenario but also at him. “Conor won’t show up 😂😂😂,” one fan said, referencing years of inactivity and failed starts. Others grabbed the opportunity to praise Chael Sonnen’s hilarious timing. One user commented, “Hahahaha, Chael is too funny,” another added, “Chael is and has always been hilarious 😂.” The meme potential was limitless, with the cherry on top being the “Lmao Classic Chael Sonnen answer.” To fans, this wasn’t about realism; it was about the concept of Conor McGregor being sidelined while Sonnen went full WWE villain, holding a mic and both opponents in one hand.

It wasn’t just a poke at McGregor’s future fighting career; it was also a reminder of how rapidly fans can change the narrative. McGregor, once a formidable figure in combat sports, is now a supporting character in Chael Sonnen’s one-man show. And if the fans get their way, he won’t be tagging in anytime soon. What do you think? Do you believe Chael Sonnen can single-handedly win the fight? Let us know in the comments.