Chael Sonnen opines that the version of Carlos Prates who recently defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth would have been in serious trouble for Conor McGregor, had they faced each other.
Despite rumors of a potential July fight between McGregor and Prates, it’s reported that the former two-division UFC champion declined the matchup. Sonnen suggests that a 37-year-old McGregor, who has been inactive for almost five years, would stand little chance against a prime and in-form Prates.
Conor McGregor is slated for a return in July during International Fight Week, expected to face Max Holloway in a rematch. Meanwhile, Carlos Prates, following three consecutive stoppage victories, is awaiting the outcome of a potential welterweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry in August. Prates has expressed a desire for Garry to defeat Makhachev, creating an opportunity for a fight against McGregor later this year in Brazil.
In a recent conversation with Ariel Helwani, Chael Sonnen stated that the Prates who decisively beat “JDM” at UFC Perth would have inflicted a similar fate upon Conor McGregor. Sonnen’s analysis suggests that fighters like McGregor, who have endured significant injuries and extended layoffs, face considerable challenges against dangerous contenders such as Prates.
While acknowledging McGregor’s characteristic fearlessness and willingness to fight anyone, Sonnen indicated that for “The Notorious” to even survive a few rounds against “The Nightmare” would be considered a victory in their hypothetical clash.