Chael Sonnen Inspired By Cormier’s Win, But Doesn’t Anticipate MMA Return
Despite being in the middle of a two-year suspension for failing multiple drug tests in 2014, former multi-time title challenger and notorious trash talker Chael “The American Gangster” Sonnen has remained relevant in mixed martial arts (MMA), serving as an analyst for ESPN, and hosting his very own podcast where he interviews fighters and discusses current topics within the sport.
“The American Gangster” has stayed active, competing in grappling events such as Metamoris, but rumors of a potential return to MMA have begun to spring up for Sonnen, who is about halfway through his suspension. Despite the rumors, Sonnen appeared on a recent edition of The Jon Anik and Kenny Florian Podcast to admit that he’s probably done with MMA for good:
“As far as MMA goes, man, I think I ran my race. I’ve got some good memories and I think that’s where that ends.”
During his time in the Octagon, Sonnen was known for his dominant and suffocating wrestling, a skill that he used to come ever so close to upsetting former dominant middleweight champion Anderson Silva back at UFC 117. That being said, it’s no surprise to hear Sonnen talk about newly crowned light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who may be considered the very best wrestler to ever compete in the UFC.
Cormier recently won the belt at May 23’s UFC 187, and “The American Gangster” says that he was inspired by the performance not only because “DC” is a wrestler, but also because the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) captain is one of the older guys in the sport:
“I thought it was inspiring. One because I’m a wrestler so I’m always excited to see wrestling do well. Like, anybody that comes from an art form and then they go on to become a guy that becomes champion. But two, he won one for the old guys. Hey, Kenny [Florian] I’m sure you can relate, but when a guy that age, 36, 37 years old, comes out and wins the world championship it makes us feel young again. It makes you feel like the world doesn’t just belong to 18 to 25 year olds.”
While on the topic of Cormier, Sonnen couldn’t help but speak of now disgraced former light heavyweight champion and former pound-for-pound king Jon “Bones” Jones who had his belt stripped from him after being arrested on felony hit-and-run charges. “The American Gangster” is quite familiar with Jones, coaching alongside him on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 17, and ultimately fighting him at UFC 159, suffering a first round TKO loss.
Cormier is also familiar with “Bones” as the two had one of the most chronicled rivalries in the history of the sport leading up to their UFC 182 bout, a bout in which Jones scored a dominant decision win. Sonnen believes that in a rematch Jones would again be the victor because the former champ is simply just too good. “The American Gangster” revealed that Jones is so talented, that after their UFC 159 matchup, Sonnen never wanted to get back in the cage with “Bones”:
“Every time I’ve ever had a defeat that’s what I’ve thought, give me one more shot, let me try this again. Except against Jon Jones. After I fought Jon Jones I was like, I get it. I’m good, I get it, go enjoy your run, I’ll be over in the corner with the dunce cap on. That’s what I thought. Jon Jones is just another deal, man.”
Although a return may not be on the horizon, I assume that the always outspoken Sonnen will remain involved in the sport of mixed martial arts.
