Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen
Ht: 6’1 – Wt: 205 – Age: 35
Born: Oregon, USA
Fights out of: West Linn, OR, USA
Team: Team Quest
Overall Record: 27-12-1
UFC Record: 6-5
Background:
Chael Sonnen was less than 2 minutes away from winning the UFC middleweight championship against the greatest fighter of his generation, but was ultimately unable to hold on for the victory. Sonnen got his start in mixed martial arts in 1997 after earning All-American honors for wrestling at the University of Oregon. Sonnen won his MMA debut, but returned back to his wrestling roots. Nearly 5 years later, Sonnen made his return to MMA and quickly began to find success, building a 6-0 record, highlighted by a win over Jason “Mayhem” Miller. Sonnen made a step up in competition, but struggled to an 0-2-1 record, as he bounced around between the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Both of his losses came via submission to future UFC veterans Forrest Griffin and Trevor Prangley. Sonnen bounced back by winning his next 5 fights, including a victory over Jason Lambert. Sonnen moved on to face veteran Jeremy Horn twice in 2004, but lost both contests. Sonnen continued to face tough competition on the independent circuit before signing with the UFC in 2005. Sonnen faced Renato “Babalu” Sobral at UFC 55, but lost the fight via 2nd round submission. Sonnen dropped down to 185 lbs. where he narrowly avenged a prior loss to Prangley. Sonnen tried to get his revenge on another familiar foe, Jeremy Horn, at UFC 60, but he was submitted in the 2nd round and subsequently released by the UFC. Sonnen ended up landing in the Bodog promotion, where he defeated a lineup of tough competition including Tim Credeur, Alexey Oleinik, Tim McKenzie, and Amar Suloev. Sonnen ended up signing with the WEC in 2007, immediately challenging Paulo Filho for the WEC middleweight championship. Sonnen lost via submission although he never officially tapped out. Sonnen defeated Bryan Baker before getting his chance to settle the score with Filho in 2008. This time Sonnen was able to control the fight with his striking in what turned out to be a bizarre fight as Filho missed weight and seemed to not be operating on all cylinders. The WEC middleweight division was absorbed by the UFC in 2009, which ultimately led to Sonnen returning to the UFC. Sonnen began his second UFC run by facing off against rising contender Demian Maia. Sonnen did not last long as he was put to sleep by Maia in the very 1st round. Sonnen bounced back by defeating Dan Miller before knocking off perennial top contenders Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt. Sonnen earned the right to face Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 117, hyping the bout with his mix of humor and insults. Sonnen put forth his best performance to date, effectively holding his own in the striking game, while dominating Silva on the ground. Sonnen was arguably on his way to a one-sided victory going into the 5th round, but was incredibly submitted by Silva with less than 2 minutes remaining in the fight. Sonnen would later be suspended for having elevated testosterone levels. Sonnen made his return in late 2011 as he dominated rising contender Brian Stann, winning via 2nd round submission.
2011 Breakdown:
Sonnen only fought once as he was still serving his suspension handed down by the NSAC from his previous title bid against Anderson Silva.
Sonnen returned to the octagon at UFC 136 against rising contender Brian Stann. Sonnen withheld most of his pre-fight banter due to his friendship and respect for Stann. Sonnen had no intention of striking with Stann, immediately looking for the clinch and takedown. After a brief struggle, Sonnen brought Stann down to the floor and began to work over Stann with knees to the body and eventually moving into full mount. In round 2, it was more of the same as Sonnen scored the takedown and dominated Stann on the floor. After a questionable referee standup, Sonnen eventually got Stann back down and locked on a fight-ending arm triangle.
2012 Forecast:
Sonnen looks like he will get his wish for another title shot at Anderson Silva in 2012. Sonnen came within seconds from defeating the champion the last time they fought. Sonnen looked good in his recent fight with Stann, but one has to wonder if he will be as effective now that his testosterone levels will be closely monitored. Sonnen’s mouth has said a lot of things over the last few years, and though he has backed up most of it, he will have his work cut out for him against a motivated Silva. Sonnen’s submission defense has always been his weakness, but it seems as if he has been taking the right steps towards working on his ground game. Sonnen is getting up there in age and though he is likely to fight for a few more years, it will be interesting to see what path his career will take should he lose to Silva again.
Chael Sonnen Fight Record
Overall Record: 26-11-1
2008-2011 Record: 6-2
2011 Record: 1-0
Win | Brian Stann | Sub | Rd 2 | UFC | 10/08/2011
2010 Record: 1-1
Loss | Anderson Silva | Sub | Rd 5 | UFC | 08/07/2010
Win | Nate Marquardt | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 02/06/2010
2009 Record: 2-1
Win | Yushin Okami | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 10/24/2009
Win | Dan Miller | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 05/23/2009
Loss | Demian Maia | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 02/21/2009
2008 Record: 2-0
Win | Paulo Filho | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 11/05/2008
Win | Bryan Baker | Dec | Rd 2 | WEC | 03/26/2008
