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Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Chael Sonnen is a hard man to define, that's the basis of a brilliant piece by Ben Fowlkes at MMA Fighting. Fowlkes talks about Sonnen's more humble attitude in his earlier fighting days and the transition into the brash title contender always quick with a witty line and how difficult it is to pin down the "real Chael Sonnen."
In the piece, Chael is asked if it would upset him to be remembered for his interviews more than his in-cage accomplishments and gives an answer that warms my heart:
"That would be a compliment," he said. "I wouldn't feel bad about that. ..You know, these guys want to talk about God. 'Oh, I want to thank God. I want to thank God.' Listen, I'm a God-fearing man, go to church every Sunday and have since I was a boy. But if I ever found out that God cared one way or another about a borderline illegal fist-fight on Saturday night, I would be so greatly disappointed that it would make rethink my entire belief system."
He also talks about his opponent Saturday night at UFC on Fox 2, Michael Bisping:
"He certainly hasn't beaten anybody that's any good, rankings-wise," said Sonnen. "But Bisping, you can't take from him, because he wins. Regardless of the opponent, which he doesn't have a lot of say in, he gets his hand raised. That's undeniable. ...I'm not a naysayer on Bisping. I'm a supporter, and if he got a shot [at the title], I'd tune in to watch."
There are some people already upset that this sort of dream match-up of trash talkers isn't really delivering the expected level of vitriol. But, given how restrained Chael was for his last fight against Brian Stann, maybe this is the real Chael Sonnen. And maybe he really, truly does believe that Anderson Silva "sucks."
0 recs | 129 comments
Borderline illegal fist-fight? Dana's not gonna like that one.
I think I just saw a naked, bald man covered in frozen yogurt break into Sonnen’s house clutching a tire iron.
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
Did I look menacing with the tire iron?
IRodC - January 23, 2012
I was more impressed with you holding the tire iron without using your hands or feet.
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
Haha, its was held by his pp!
Kefka - January 23, 2012
Wow that is such genius line from Chael. I love it.
WanderChe - January 23, 2012
It isn't just "Genius"
It’s something I’ve been saying since I started watching MMA. I just get tired of hearing people thank God that they won a fight or say it was “God’s will” when they lose. I believe in God and
I’m not trying to say anything bad about anyone’s religious beliefs but I just don’t believe the whole “God has a plan” thing. You make your own choices and if you decide to throw a left hook at the perfect time and get the KO I don’t think God made you do it so you could win a “borderline illegal fist-fight.”
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
It happens in all sports and I can’t stand it either. What do they think, the winning team just prays harder or god hates the other team?
keyboardwarrior - January 23, 2012
No one ever thanks their god that they and / or their opponent didn't get seriously hurt
And both will live to fight and get another pay day.
KJ Gould - January 23, 2012
MMA Fighters are giving shout outs to the Old Testament version
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
God mellowed out after he had a son...
I thought everyone knew that?
Andy Anderson - January 23, 2012
I give Ben Henderson credit for thanking God when he lost, though he did not look happy to do it.
But overall its just absurd, “this was all God’s work”, and the dude won by brutal knockout, ya thanks god for causing the other guy a fair amount of brain damage, so I could win some extra money.
Kefka - January 23, 2012
I think it's funny
Chael lists Pope John Paul II as his hero on UFC.com.
Un Sandpiper - January 24, 2012
That is pretty brilliant
I might have to make that my sig.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
I don't know...
If I ever found that out it just might confirm a few suspicions of mine…
PlutoCps - January 23, 2012
Do those suspicions include Tim Tebow?
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
...
Sugel Mendoza - January 24, 2012
It's great
UncleMax - January 23, 2012
Why wouldn't God watch Chael fight now? Without Tebow, who's he supposed to watch?
Scott C. Broussard - January 23, 2012
Ben Henderson?
PlutoCps - January 23, 2012
And Vitor
Chris Hall - January 23, 2012 via Android app
Nah, God is mad at his greedy son for taking so much care of Vitor.
mountaineers101 - January 23, 2012
thoughtful comments from chael this is much better then some fake over the top tirade that the media seems to want. Plus maybe it means that his dislike towards A.Silva is real.
The_Devil_You_Know - January 23, 2012
This isn't better or worse than some "Fake" or "Over the top tirade"
It’s just Chael P. Sonnen. He has different moods just like every person that is alive. Some interviews are like this one and some are the Chael that hates everything that walks(In Brazil).
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
I done also use p for Middle names, holy beanstalk!
Kefka - January 23, 2012
I don't think Chael Sonnen hates Anderson Silva.
His candid interview with Mike Straka directly after the fight more or less summed it up. He definitely really respects Silva. Sonnen will continue to throw barbs, insults and jokes in Silva’s direction but I don’t think there’s any hate involved. Sonnen spent close to 25 minutes in the cage with Silva where he was the dominant fighter and the champion basically pulled out a win. I think most fighters have a strong respect for their opponents, especially after a war, unless their names end with Diaz, Penn or Jackson.
Sonnen told truth. With this recent run in the UFC, he hasn’t really been beaten. Yes, Maia submitted him but nobody really whipped his behind in the Octagon.
VeeisAnimated - January 23, 2012
Jackson? What are you referring to?
Shnak - January 23, 2012
Quinton Jackson.
VeeisAnimated - January 23, 2012
Yes, I figured that part. But what are you talking about with Jackson not respecting his past opponents? Have you seen him gush over just how great Jon Jones is?
Shnak - January 23, 2012
Yeah, that was Jackson in rare form.
He still throw barbs at Forrest Griffin. Just move on and give him his props for that one night. Griffin simply got the W.
I’ll admit he always showed Shogun and Wanderlei their respect but please stop discussing the issues during that time period. We know the story. We know the excuses.
He can’t give Evans his props. We know the excuse. Unfortunately Evans had nothing to do with Rampage time away from the cage and he has nothing to do with Rampage cutting weight from reportedly 240lbs.
VeeisAnimated - January 23, 2012
Meh, I can see how Rampage would be pissed off at both Griffin and Evans considering many, including himself assuredly, thought Rampge won both of these fights.
Shnak - January 23, 2012
Griffin was very close, not sure many non-relatives would argue that he beat Evans though…
The American Ronin - January 23, 2012
I might be mixing up my fights, but I’m pretty sure he did more damage to Evans in that 3rd round than Evans to him in the first two. Didn’t he come close to finishing Evans in the 3rd round?
Shnak - January 23, 2012
Sure, but it wasn't enough for a 10-8
Rashad Evans took him down and won out the majority of that round. Two judges (and Brent Brookhouse) had Rashad winning all three rounds. Only one judge gave that round to Rampage.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Nevermind that
either Maia or Anderson could have literally killed him in less than a minute if they so chose, were there not someone there to save Sonnen.
I’m assuming you just mean something along the lines of he has been overpowered and bullied throughout those fights, because he was clearly beaten by any definition of the word…
The American Ronin - January 23, 2012
and Ryo Chonan could have done the same to Silva
Point?
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Point being, my comment was a direct reply to this, the silly (yet recurring) idea that one isn’t truly beaten by a submission…
The American Ronin - January 23, 2012
Seriously, where did that notion come from,
that a knockout is considered a thrashing and a submission, literally making your opponent quit by flailing in pain, is “getting caught.”
sun yue - January 23, 2012
Anderson apparently dies when exposed to heel-hooks.
Gugabe - January 23, 2012
And Sonnen could’ve poked Anderson’s eyes out were there not rules in MMA… what’s your point?
Shnak - January 23, 2012
The whole thing revolved around the op’s comment implying that winning via submission doesn’t mean one has “beaten” their opponent.
The American Ronin - January 23, 2012
I think it’s more an argument of having a one punch knock-out or hail-mary sub is less of a victory than actually dominating your opponent in any shape and/or form.
Take Fitch-Hendricks.
I moved Hendricks up to the cusp of top 10 because of the win, simply because it was Fitch, but I would have put Hendricks as a top 3 WW if he’d ground out a 30-27 dominative decision against Fitch. Just in my mental rankings and all.
Gugabe - January 23, 2012
How they win matters, but finishing is better than dominating if they spend at least a little time in the fight dominating, for example Silva Griffin.
Kefka - January 23, 2012
I've never seen it argued
that a decision is more dominant than a finish. Bravo sir.
The Lethal Haze - January 23, 2012
Only in certain situations
But it’s definitely possible for some finishes to be more dominant than some finishes.
For instance, GSP’s win over Fitch was more dominant than Anderson Silva’s win over Chael.
Jeremiah Johnson. - January 24, 2012
gah
some DECISIONS to be more dominant than some finishes.
Jeremiah Johnson. - January 24, 2012
Against Fitch would be one of the very few instances that I too would agree…
The American Ronin - January 24, 2012
Diaz, Penn and Jackson esp have respect if its a war.
Kefka - January 23, 2012
Really,
I think you need to rethink this- who knows how he feels. He throws words at and near Silva because SILVA IS THE GOAT, and Sonnen took him 5 rounds. (Oh by the way, I am not in the camp that says Silva was dominated, I feel that he was controlled but was consistently looking for subs and was never even close to out of the fight.) If Silva was just another contender he would have maybe got some heat and then forgotten. Sonnen taking Silva 5 rounds is his entire claim to fame, and Chael’s gonna milk that cow for as long as it produces. Heck, at this point no rematch is the best possible outcome for Chael. If that is never resolved, he will still have all those people who think he was winning and somehow got robbed. If he wins, Silva is 37 (by the time they fight, optimistically) and ageing out. If he loses, especially if he gets KO’d, it’s all over, and he fades away.
DankNabbot - January 23, 2012
Heads up.
Yes, Sonnen will continue to milk it. Why not.
That fight will continue to haunt Sonnen for the rest of his life.
Two, the difference in age between Silva and Sonnen is 2 years. Yeah, I just looked it up.
Also one more little unknown fun fact. They both started their MMA careers around the same time . . . 1997. Maybe Silva should explore the wonders of Hormone Replacement Therapy? It is working wonders for Sonnen and Henderson.
VeeisAnimated - January 23, 2012
is andy started on the trt
hed have to fight 3 guys at once, just to make things even.
gspmademegay - January 23, 2012
god may be cool
but hes no michael bisping.
gspmademegay - January 23, 2012
hehe I absolutely agree
!!!!
szanpan - January 23, 2012
Of course Chael respects Bisping, being a fellow elite trash talker.
mburtoni - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Maybe Chael s just not sure
that he would understand Bisping’s Manchester accent :)
szanpan - January 23, 2012
His interviews are so consistently good
It is a little bit of a bummer that he hasn’t been trolling Bisping, but I guess he’s keeping his powder dry for the champ.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
I think he knows that there isn’t enough time to get a serious bit of ‘heat’ going with Bisping for the press so he is just going the other way. Build him up so that when he crushes him he looks better for it.
Empty Thoughts - January 23, 2012
maybe only maybe its Dana 's order no?
I mean he cant talk about British as he talked about Brazilians because British do have a computer and right now Bisping is the only British fighter that got that high no? only my theory but i wonder what you think…
szanpan - January 23, 2012
No
Horselover Fat - January 23, 2012
Did you really just reference Chael’s “Brazillians don’t have computers” as a fact?
Wow
BKdroid - January 23, 2012
Chael can talk about the British all he wants
It’s not like the UFC ever comes here …
KJ Gould - January 23, 2012
Renan Barao vs. Dominick Cruz at UFC 151 1/2 in London!
mountaineers101 - January 23, 2012
If that happens, I might have to go to that.
If I can get press creds.
KJ Gould - January 23, 2012
With a co-main of Clifford Starks vs. Kyle Noke?!
mountaineers101 - January 23, 2012
That's worse than a BAMMA co-main
Please let it not be true.
KJ Gould - January 23, 2012
Fowlkes is an incredibly talented writer
When he moved over to a more hard-news style site from CagePotato I wasn’t really sure what to expect because all I’d seen of him was his work with CP, where there’s the snarky, comedic style instead. Turns out he’s pretty great at the serious stuff, too. His feature pieces are usually pretty fantastic, with this one no different. When I read it my thought was actually "and, somewhere, that just got bookmarked for use in BE’s “Great MMA Writing” features at the end of 2012."
I agree it does become really hard to differentiate the genuine from the the character with Chael. I’ve talked to a handful of fighters that have spoke with him and they all say the same thing, namely that the public persona is basically the antithesis of the actual, cameras-off-him man, as with nobody to sell to he is a very quiet, polite and respectful guy.
JustBlogGuy - January 23, 2012
Fowlkes work has been consistently good ever since his CagePotato days.
Off camera, I think many fighters are different.
VeeisAnimated - January 23, 2012
Yeah, I’ve heard several names that were pretty shocking to hear were, in general, really nice and polite dudes despite their public personas as bad guys. Not that they weren’t as objectionable as their public persona, but rather that they were literally nothing at all like it. On the flip side, there’s been the guys who have this persona as a really nice, humble dude who, with the cameras off, are jerks.
And I agree Fowlkes was good on CP, too, but it’s just a very different style of writing than going to a site like MMAFighting where he has the occasional joke here or there, but also does his straight-shooting style features and the like. Having never seen his serious work prior, I was very happily impressed with how damn good at it he is.
JustBlogGuy - January 23, 2012
Sonnan is god fearing? i don’t think so. He will do anything- lie, cheat, steal to make an extra buck or to gain an advantage at the expense of others.
trinidad - January 23, 2012
Yeah
Because no god fearing people have ever cheated, lied or stole right?
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
I cannot "rec" this enough!!!
Atomic Salmon - January 23, 2012
Lots of god fearing priests’ still rape children, I think he might be using religion and not actually believing in it. Please do not construe this into thinking I am accusing Chael of being any sort of rapist.
the jewish conquistador - January 23, 2012
Rapist?
There was that story circulating for a time about murdering some prostitutes back in the 90’s though…
The American Ronin - January 23, 2012
Being Atheist.
that is the one thing that bothers me the most about athletes not just in MMA but seems like most fighters espically brazilian ones always thank god first. It gets really annoying I just try to ignore it.
nickrodamous - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I grew up in a religious community where people would thank the lord after taking a healthy shit.
You get used it.
UncleMax - January 23, 2012
Did they perform an exorcism after an unhealthy shit?
Because that would be great.
Damnatio Memoriae - January 23, 2012
Lord, I thank thee for another wipless shit. Amen.
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
Those are the true blessings in life
Especially for those of us who are part yeti.
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
jesus christ.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
I guess its just part of the game.
Most of my fav fighters are religious and would to thank god. The only ones I think are fellow atheists are Chris Leben and Jeff Monson : /
nickrodamous - January 23, 2012
Mayhem Miller is an atheist
I think so at least. Can’t think of many more.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Frank Mir is as well.
Harley - January 24, 2012
My favorite
Religious Nut is Colt McCoy. I shit you not,after one game he said this: “I’d like to thank God, he’s a great guy, thanks for watching out for me” like he was a frat brother. LOL Texan evangelicals.
As an atheist I use this analogy with my religious friends. Imagine if he got up there and said, “I’d like to thank Zeus, and Apollo for the sunny day. Couldn’t have done it without them!”
But yeah I get you, you think you’re used to all the god-bothering and then one particular day it will just weird you the hell out.
DankNabbot - January 23, 2012
If I were ever fight and win, this would be my first words in a post fight interview
“I’d like to thank Charles Darwin, but I can’t because he’s dead, and there’s no afterlife.”
KJ Gould - January 23, 2012
That is awesome
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Id love to see someone throw out a hail satan after a win. that would be awwsome
Clay Davis - January 23, 2012
nickrodamous
If you’re that bothered by it, turn the channel off and go watch tennis or something.
Gremio - January 23, 2012
I'm pretty sure there are plenty of tennis players who thank God after their matches
sun yue - January 23, 2012
“Thank you Jesus for giving me the power to almost murder somebody!”
Horselover Fat - January 23, 2012
God bless you God.
NickRingp4pGOAT - January 23, 2012
That Bispong quote is great
I think I better check my temperature.
some schmuck in texas - January 23, 2012
Rarely do i find myself in agreement with Chael
Mainly because I know most of what he’s saying is ridiculous. That religion line is gold, Jerry. Gold!
Cory Braiterman - January 23, 2012
I don't like this side of Chael
Coeman - January 23, 2012
I personally think that Chael is scared of war of words with Bisping
He knows he will continually call him out as a cheater, loser and one who uses TRT. These are all things the MMA media refuse to call him out on now. They refuse to remind him of these things
btw i think it’s ridiculous to even suggest that he truly thinks Anderson sucks
AfroSamurai - January 23, 2012
Cause it's a non-issue.....
Your boy got worked by Chael, deal with it.
Taiter - January 23, 2012
Wow Internet tough guy alert ! I’m picturing afrosamurai laying awake at night like “I just can’t deal with this!!” After 4 1/2 rounds of pitty pat arm punches that did zero damage, your boy choked, literally. Silva looked post fight like he had just been for a brisk jog, without a scratch on him . Also keep in mind, Sonnen was juiced to the gills and Silva had a rib injury. And, to top it off, win or lose, Chael has balls the size of raisins. So my question is: Can you dig that……….SUCKAAAAA!!!!!
Hutchy - January 23, 2012 via mobile
booker t is retired
get over it
MegaReem - January 24, 2012
No one remembers who “almost” won a fight…its amazing to me how much credit Fhael gets for “almost” winning
phantom5691 - January 23, 2012
I don’t think he is scared to call out bisping…too close to fight time to put energy into trash talking. I suspect a few barbs but there just isn’t enough time… Wish we had 3 months leading to this
Afrotikiman - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Yeah, the timing of the bout was unfortunate.
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
Chael could say that Bisping is a cheater right back
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
The difference is people love calling Bisping out for that,
Chael’s indiscretions are a bit less overplayed.
sun yue - January 23, 2012
Bisping could point out every truth known about Sonnen
and he’d still be boo’d entering the event.
UncleMax - January 23, 2012
I was kinda expecting
“I don’t want to thank God after my fights because thanking myself would look bad”
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Nice Chaelism!
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
wow i really dont like chael but honestly this is the first time ive ever liked something he said
Mac Marley - January 23, 2012
You better watch out. That means he’s growing on you… Two weeks later “Chael Sonnen is God’s gift to MMA!”
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
Thanking God
Who cares? If your an atheist, they are not hurting your civil liberties doing some interview after a fist-fight, and if your kids or something are gonna be influenced by that then they’re not very bright. Some athletes find strength in the belief of a higher power, helps them train harder or whatever because God will protect them, my question is always, why do you give a shit? If there is a God I doubt he cares who wins a fight, football game, or a Grammy. That being said, if that belief drives you, than God Bless You.
clarkkentpunch - January 23, 2012
How About This>
Sonnen is a CHEATER, that is what I will remember about him. He got caught doping. Sonnen got brutally submitted by Anderson Silva, the man who supposedly sucks. Anderson Silva captured the middleweight title in the preeminent mixed martial arts promotion in the world and has defended it successfully without fail, numerous times. That is what I will remember. Anderson Silva, who supposedly sucks, had a fantastic run while fighting overseas and came stateside and not only continued that run but vastly improved every area of his game, that is what I will remember. Chael Sonnen, who talks crap about everyone else and bills himself as the greatest fighter around has won nothing. Chael Sonnen who puts himself above evryopne else got caught cheating and wants to be excused for that transgression. Stop talking about other people and talk about yourself. Talk about what you have done which is CHEATING. Own up to that, stop making excuses for it and clean your own house. Then, go on a winning streak similar to Anderson Silva, capture the tile like Anderson Silva and than defend it multiple times like Anderson Silva. While you are accomplishing all of this, try treating your opponents with respect like Mr. Silva does. Then maybe, you will have earned the right to have something to say.
angelofpeace - January 23, 2012
He was shaking like a baptist minister writing that.
UncleMax - January 23, 2012
Chael Sonne could say
“I was a disgraced politician, convicted of fraud who didn’t pass his PED test. But America still hates Michael Bisping more”.
KJ Gould - January 23, 2012
And...I don't think he got brutally submitted. Frank Mir disagrees wholly.
http://cdn2.cagepotato.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/methodgetsantonio-rodrigo-nogueira-frank-mir-gif.gif
mountaineers101 - January 23, 2012
mountaineers101 - January 23, 2012
Refuse to watch.
I just… can’t… do it
ThatsHowIRoll - January 23, 2012
Slap yourself.
Sugel Mendoza - January 24, 2012
Unfortunately for Chael that sort of run is an impossibility for him
Even if he beats Silva and gets the belt (which I don’t think will happen but is possible) he’ll have it taken straight off him by Maia, Palhares or anyone else with that level of BJJ
Mattyjudo - January 23, 2012 via Android app
Palhares will probably never get a titleshot due to the heady combination of doing stupid things, and his overly one-dimensional game-plan as an athelete.
Hell, imagine he becomes UFC Middleweight champion.
How the hell does Zuffa promote that?
Maia is atleast 2/3 fights away from Middleweight contendership (Assuming he wins Weidman, and is then paired up against a returning Munoz for the shot), and has already lost to the most logical barrier in his becoming a contender (Munoz).
A BJJ guy would probably eventually beat Chael, but it probably won’’t be either of Palhares/Maia.
Gugabe - January 23, 2012
I disagree,
I think Palhares could get a shot at some point based on the sheer lack of contenders at MW and his freakish strength and skill. The guy stands a chance against pretty much anybody just based on the freakish hulk factor. Just depends on whether or not he can stop murdering peoples limbs after they tap or calling the end to his own fights.
And if you want to talk overly one-dimensional title contenders,… Re: Chael Sonnen
ThatsHowIRoll - January 24, 2012
God prefers K-1 anyway
Apparently he thinks ground fighting is “for gays” and you know how he feels about those dudes…
Mattyjudo - January 23, 2012 via Android app
Chael’s answer is very refreshing and sensible. Take notes Tim Tebow you sanctimonious narcissist.
jpayne - January 23, 2012
I want to be the UFC's first cartoonish Jack Chick style devil worshipper
After my victory I’ll thank the dark lord and my walkout music will be Freezing Moon.
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
as long as you are decked out in corpse paint and spiked everything.
Ak.Death - January 23, 2012
I want to fight you
I’m coming out to Gregorian Chant, with Rosaries wrapping my hands, “Cain Velasquez Mexican Flag” style, and maybe a Vatican flag. I will totally hype the crap out of this fight. In the pre-fight build up I am going to predict that I will perform an exorcism via ground and pound.
Andy Anderson - January 23, 2012
UncleMax - January 23, 2012
Hahaha
sorry, got stuck in East Texas for a week, and saw a Evangelical service. I love God, but that is not my cup of tea. I am more of the Papist variety Christian. Think Diego Nunes, Vitor Belfort. “Jesus Happens Everyday, bro”
Andy Anderson - January 23, 2012
Well let me clarify this
I am Roman Catholic, but have the same attitude as Uncle Chael regarding God and MMA. I will be me but will never thank God in a post fight speech. That will be done at mass the next day. The end.
Andy Anderson - January 23, 2012
Will your walkout music be played in reverse
UncleMax - January 23, 2012
I don't see why this is an issue.
I find most post-fight interviews annoying, particularly when they don’t answer the questions and just want to thank everyone, but what does it matter? Not like they’re coherent anyways. If they want to thank God, or Satan or the Coca-Cola company or Cthulhu, that’s up to them.
I watch for the fights, and 1 minute of ramblings won’t change the outcome.
Un Sandpiper - January 23, 2012
I don't really care either way, it's just amusing to me,
like when LeBron lost and said something along the lines of “God wasn’t ready for me to win the championship yet,” as if God was a hardcore Mavs fan/Heats hater or as if punishing LeBron took precedence over the rest of his team, like Big Z in his final season, “being ready” or not.
sun yue - January 23, 2012
lovely quote from chael
Cunny - January 24, 2012
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