Chael Sonnen, the former UFC fighter and analyst, shared his strong opinion that the Carlos Prates who recently dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth would have presented a significant challenge to Conor McGregor.
Sonnen suggests that a 37-year-old McGregor, who has been inactive for almost five years, would have stood little chance against a prime Carlos Prates. There were prior rumors of a potential fight between McGregor and Prates for July, but Prates stated that the former two-division UFC champion declined the offer.
McGregor is slated to return at International Fight Week in July for a rematch against Max Holloway. Meanwhile, Prates, after securing three consecutive stoppage victories, is awaiting the outcome of a potential welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry, expected in August. Prates has expressed interest in fighting McGregor in Brazil later this year, especially if Garry defeats Makhachev.
During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s show, Sonnen elaborated on his assessment. He believes that fighters like McGregor, who have experienced severe leg injuries and extended layoffs, are at a considerable disadvantage against formidable contenders like Prates.
While acknowledging McGregor’s courage and willingness to face any opponent, Sonnen implied that McGregor lasting even a few rounds against Prates would be a notable achievement in a hypothetical matchup.
