Conor McGregor, turning 37 in July, appears to be aging significantly, according to UFC analyst Chael Sonnen. In a recent side-by-side photo with UFC CEO Dana White, McGregor seemed at least a decade older than the 55-year-old promoter. Sonnen attributed this to McGregor’s excessive substance abuse, mentioning his admissions about cocaine use. Despite McGregor’s inactivity since summer 2021, many fighters are eager for a matchup, drawn by his history of generating high pay-per-view sales. White has stated that McGregor will not be fighting anytime soon, reflecting on the decline of McGregor’s career.
Conor McGregor will be 37 in July.
However, former middleweight title contender Chael Sonnen, now an ESPN UFC analyst, claims that the “Notorious” ex-champion looked at least a decade older than the 55-year-old UFC CEO, Dana White, in a recent side-by-side photo shared on social media.
Could excessive substance use be the cause?
“They posted a side-by-side of Conor and Dana,” Sonnen noted on Instagram. “Honestly, Conor appeared at least 10 years older than Dana White; you could see it in his eyes. The effects of alcohol were evident in his eyelids, and the signs of drug use were visible in his eyes, hinting that he still wants to fight. Meanwhile, you have a promoter, the only one legally allowed to arrange a fight, standing there saying, ‘We’re not even close, I’m not answering his calls right now.’”
McGregor has openly confessed to using cocaine during his recent civil trial.
Despite his inactivity since the summer of 2021, eager UFC fighters still seek the chance for a potential “Notorious” match, as McGregor has a track record of attracting huge pay-per-view (PPV) sales with every appearance.
“So when you see this happening and then guys are clamoring in the background saying, ‘pick me, choose me’ … how far has your career really fallen?” Sonnen remarked. “How low can it go? When you’re sitting at home on social media pleading for a shot from someone who appears older than a guy a decade younger, and whose eyes are clearly affected by alcohol and drugs.”
White recently informed UFC fans that McGregor is “not fighting anytime soon.”