Conor McGregor is fighting back after taking some jabs from a former UFC veteran-turned-analyst.
After an undisclosed injury knocked out the Irish MMA star from his long-awaited return to the octagon against Michael Chandler, his reps recently had to set the record straight after some bold claims by Chael Sonnen.
Speaking on ESPN MMA earlier this week, Sonnen dropped a hint that McGregor was not injured and had checked into rehab for alcohol and substance abuse.
Talking about the postponed fight with Daniel Cormier, Sonnen spoke about how both Chandler and McGregor have promoted alcohol during their careers.
While Sonnen didn’t name McGregor directly, he dropped references to McGregor’s Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand.
“What incredible irony that both sides have these massive interests in alcohol, and one side is in the middle of rehab for substance abuse, including alcohol,” he said, sarcastically adding: “Not that that has anything to do with this.
“Did it just get hot in here? Oh, it just got hot in here. Uh oh, the big guy came out and said it. He wasn’t supposed to talk about that. Well, that’s why people tune in.”
Cormier then claimed he didn’t hear what Sonnen said, so the 47-year-old repeated his apparently unfounded claim.
“It was unrelated,” he said. “Two guys pushing alcohol, totally unrelated story. And then a guy is in rehab for alcohol and other substances. Just saying, that’s a tough story.
“Have this proper drink. I’ll see you in a proper while because I am in a proper facility right now, watching me not have drinks. I’m bringing up the irony of the point, that’s all Daniel.”
Cormier clearly didn’t buy into what Sonnen was selling, saying, “Chael, you’re out of your mind,” before redirecting the conversation.
However, a spokesperson for McGregor denied the claim in a report by the Daily Mail.
“Mr. McGregor is with his family,” they told the outlet. “The fight was cancelled after an injury he sustained during training. He is looking forward to a new date.”
McGregor also posted pics of himself holding his baby son on Sunday to celebrate Father’s Day. He and partner Dee Devlin have four children together.
The Irishman, a former two-division UFC champion was set for his first fight in three years, but officially was ruled out of the UFC 303 main event last week.
After the fight was called off, McGregor issued a statement on Instagram.
“Very tough to be ruled out of my scheduled return bout,” he wrote.
“The decision to postpone the fight was not made lightly, but one made in consultation with my doctors, the UFC, and my team. My fans and opponent deserve me at my best for this fight and we will get there!
“Thank you for the messages of support, I am in good spirits and confident I’ll be back!”
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During his previous fight at UFC 264 in 2021, McGregor suffered a broken leg to lose by TKO against Dustin Poirier.