Chael Sonnen: Conor McGregor should be praised, not cautioned for wanting Kamaru Usman

Unlike many, Chael Sonnen thinks Conor McGregor should absolutely go after Kamaru Usman.

McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who is nearing a return from his nasty leg break, has received warnings from the likes of Joe Rogan, Stephen Thompson and welterweight champion Usman himself, after he expressed his desire to challenge for a third UFC title.

Rogan argued that not only is Usman (20-1 MMA, 15-0 UFC) the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, but he’s a natural 170-pounder. Former UFC dual-champion McGregor fought at 145 pounds for a good portion of his career, but Sonnen, who was for his willingness to take on challenge during his own career, thinks “The Notorious” deserves credit for going after the toughest matchups.

“Joe Rogan was talking about Conor McGregor’s callout of Kamaru Usman and Joe said and I quote the old adage, ‘Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it,’” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “Now, why?”

He continued, “Why should Conor be careful? What is it that Kamaru Usman or anybody for that matter can bring to the octagon that Conor McGregor hasn’t seen? Why should he be careful? Why should anyone be careful what they’re asking for, when what they’re asking for is an opportunity to take on the baddest man in the world. How would that not be praised? Why would that be cautioned? What is it you’re scared of? And if your overarching emphasis is that you’re scared that you’re going to lose and or get hurt, what are you doing in the tough guy business?”

McGregor is 3-4 since 2016, most recently suffering back-to-back stoppage losses to Dustin Poirier last year. Although McGregor isn’t currently on his best run, UFC president Dana White wasn’t dismissive of the possibility of the sport’s biggest draw receiving a title shot upon his return.