Chael Sonnen spoke about Francis Ngannou being a standby for UFC 252
Francis Ngannou has been named as standby for the Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier fight
UFC legend Chael Sonnen took a swing at some of the comments made regarding Francis Ngannou recently.
The UFC Heavyweight contender has been named as the standby in case either Stipe Miocic or Daniel Cormier miss out on UFC 252.
Miocic vs Cormier 3 is one of the biggest fights in the history of the UFC. It will also be for the Heavyweight title as Cormier tries to reclaim the crown from his rival.
Brett Okamoto of ESPN claimed that Miocic and Cormier both could retire after this fight, with the chance of going 2-1 in their rivalry too.
Ngannou, for his part, has been linked with another shot at the title. However, the Heavyweight star has to wait for his chance or at best, replace one of the top two.
That seemed to be a positive for Sonnen as he took a shot at some of Ngannou’s critics:
“Some people question, ‘why would you do that? You are the No.1 contender. Why would you be a standby fighter?’
“What a bunch of scumbags. What kind of attitude is that?”
Sonnen further highlighted that Ngannou having to work out now is actually good for him.
“He earned that position. Instead of sitting on his hands, he now has a date called the finish line.”
Sonnen added that Ngannou now needed to train and get into shape for the possible fight.
The UFC legend added that this a compliment for Ngannou as he was getting paid basically to get into shape.
Sonnen also looked at the other positives should Ngannou not have to fight. The heavyweight star would get a look at both his rivals and have a front-row seat too.
Sonnen didn’t want this to be turned into a negative and highlighted Kamaru Usman also being in the same position.
The Nigerian is now the Welterweight Champion and told Ngannou not to take any of this as a bad move at all.
Ngannou wanted to fight Jon Jones but he should fight the winner of Miocic vs Cormier. The 33-year-old has been exceptional since losing to Miocic and he just might get the title in his next fight.
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