Issue 085

February 2012

He’s a politician, real estate agent and the most outspoken fighter in mixed martial arts. FO profiles the life and career of the world’s toughest Republican

NAME CHAEL SONNEN

AGE 34

STARTED 2002 

DIVISION Middleweight

STYLE Wrestling

Based PORTLAND, OREGON

RECORD 26-11-1

7 (T)KOs (26.9%)

4 Subs (15.4%)

15 Decisions (57.7%)

Chael Sonnen is a tough country boy from West Linn, Oregon who has grounded ‘n’ pounded his way to the top of the UFC’s middleweight division. He comes from a family of wrestlers, including his father, who taught him the importance of hard work.

“My dad, he was intense. There was only one goal and that was to be the best,” Sonnen recalls. “The day he passed away I told him ‘I’m going to win the world championship.’”

The self-proclaimed ‘people’s champion’ enjoyed notable success throughout his amateur wrestling career, winning two national championships in Greco-Roman wrestling during his time at the University of Oregon, as well as being named ‘Wrestler of the Year’ in 2000.

After watching the UFC for the first time, Sonnen quickly realized that MMA was the surest way to prove himself as the toughest guy in the world. He joined Team Quest and began training with experienced contenders like Randy Couture. 

Although he has been fighting professionally for almost a decade, with nearly 40 fights under his belt, it is only recently that Sonnen has worked his way into the mainstream spotlight, and he’s certainly made the most of it. Since he defeated Nate Marquardt and earned a shot at Anderson Silva’s UFC middleweight title, Chael has been relentless in his verbal assault of not only ‘The Spider,’ but also Silva’s training partners and even his arch-rival’s native Brazil.

And although he was submitted by Silva in the closing minutes of the final round when they met at UFC 117, Sonnen not only tested the champion, but came very close to beating him, dominating the first four rounds with his superior wrestling skills.

A rematch was expected, however, Sonnen was suspended after his UFC 117 medicals showed unusually high testosterone levels, and money laundering charges meant that the world-ranked number-two middleweight did not return to action until October 2011.

As well as being a prolific mixed martial arts fighter, Sonnen has also worked in real estate and has represented the Republican Party in his home state of Oregon.

TALKING TRASH

As impressive as his fighting skills are, it’s his mouth that has really helped catapult Sonnen to fame in the world of MMA. After many years spent humbly roughing up his fellow fighters in competition, the wrestling standout became a star during his verbal assault against Anderson Silva. Sonnen fights like a true warrior, and talks like a true politician.

BACKING IT UP

Chael’s combat style is as in-your face as his personality. He rarely spends much time feeling out his opponent, preferring to close the distance quickly, and is never afraid to take a beating in order to give one. Win or lose, Sonnen always puts up a fight.

CONFIDENCE

Call it confidence or arrogance, whatever your opinion, there is no denying that Sonnen is very sure of himself. Case and point; in his last fight he choked out a former US Marine, walked calmly back to his corner, handed his mouthpiece to his cornerman and told the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world: “You absolutely suck!” 

CAREER SNAPSHOT

2002

Wins first five fights of his professional MMA career, going undefeated that year. His impressive string of victories include a decision win over a young ‘Mayhem’ Miller.

2005

Makes UFC debut at light heavyweight, losing via submission to BJJ specialist Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral.

2007

Wins first three fights of the year, finishing all three opponents. Loses to Paulo Filho in a fight for the WEC middleweight championship. Avenges loss 11 months later.

2010

Dominates middleweight champion Anderson Silva for four and a half rounds before being submitted in the closing moments of the fight. The bout is awarded ‘Fight of the Year’ at the 2010 FO World MMA Awards.

2011

Sonnen returns to the Octagon after a year-long suspension. Subs ‘American Hero’ Brian Stann (his first stoppage win since ’07) before an acclaimed performance as 2011 FO World MMA Awards host.