“If you’re waiting for Conor McGregor, you are unemployed!” Chael Sonnen goes off on Charles Oliveira claiming he doesn’t want Islam Makhachev next

Charles Oliveira is criticized by Chael Sonnen for attempting to avoid Islam Makhachev in favor of fighting Conor McGregor.

“If you’re waiting for Conor McGregor, you are unemployed!” Chael Sonnen goes off on Charles Oliveira claiming he doesn’t want Islam Makhachev next

Chael Sonnen criticizes Charles Oliveira for trying to duck Islam Makhachev and fight Conor McGregor (via imago)

The UFC lightweight division is ever-evolving. The latest drama involves Charles Oliveira and his apparent reluctance to face the current title holder, Islam Makhachev. This has caught the attention of none other than the outspoken MMA veteran, Chael Sonnen. He wasted no time in calling out Oliveira’s priorities.

The latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast on ESPN MMA kicked this off. Sonnen didn’t hold back when addressing Oliveira’s recent comments. He believed that Oliveira had made it very clear he didn’t want to fight Islam Makhachev. Sonnen showed disdain toward Oliveria’s comments of wanting to face Conor McGregor. 

Oliveira has made it very clear he does not want to fight Islam…And Oliveira and his manager all within the last seven days have both given separate interviews saying if they win the fight, they want Conor McGregor. If you’re sitting around waiting for Conor McGregor it means you’re unemployed.
Chael Sonnen via The Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast
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Sonnen didn’t mince words in his assessment of Oliveira’s apparent reluctance to face Makhachev. The former UFC title challenger went on to accuse Oliveira of “dodging” a rematch with Makhachev. This fight was initially scheduled for October 2023 before being scrapped due to a ‘minor’ injury.

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Sonnen believed the UFC will have no choice but to move on if Charles Oliveira continues to avoid the challenge. He believed that UFC would look into other high-ranking fighters like Justin Gaethje or Dustin Poirier. One thing is clear: Chael Sonnen has no patience for Oliveira’s apparent avoidance of the division’s top dog, Islam Makhachev.

Charles Oliveira’s coach wants him to fight Conor McGregor next

The world of MMA is no stranger to high-stakes rivalries and unexpected turns. Charles Oliveira’s coach made it clear that their sights are set on a lucrative showdown with the one and only Conor McGregor. This came as a surprise as he wanted McGregor over Makhachev and his title shot.

Charles Oliveira's team want Conor McGregor next
Charles Oliveira’s team wants Conor McGregor next (via MMA Mania/ MMA Fighting)

One would expect Oliveira to be laser-focused on the task at hand and the potential title implications. He is heading into his crucial matchup against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. However, the Brazilian fighter’s team has thrown a curveball. They revealed that their true ambition lies in a welterweight clash with the “Notorious” Conor McGregor. Oliveira’s coach confirmed this, saying that they were putting Oliveira’s title aspirations on the ‘back burner.’

If Oliveira wins against Tsarukyan, it could set the stage for a blockbuster showdown with McGregor. This could set up a potential clash of the titans. ‘Do Bronxs’ and his team are thinking outside the championship box. Their pursuit of the “money fight” with Conor McGregor could have far-reaching implications for the lightweight division.

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