Three time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen‘s pro wrestling-style interviews haven’t gone unnoticed by one of his childhood heroes.
Former World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) Heavyweight Champion “Superstar” Billy Graham posted on Facebook Monday that he spoke with Sonnen on the phone and plans on walking out with him for his next fight.
“UFC Fighter Cheal (sic) Sonnen gave me a surprise phone call this afternoon 5:30 Phoenix time Monday, August 19th. We had a fun conversation about him using my promos and I will be looking to go to one of his fights and walk him to the ring and sit ring side to show my support for him sometime in the fall.”
Sonnen scored a shockingly quick and decisive win over former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Mauricio Rua at UFC Fight Night 26, submitting “Shogun” late in the first round with a guillotine choke.
After the bout, “The American Gangster” cut an over the top promo calling out long-time rival Wanderlei Silva, borrowing some material from a Graham interview, which took place all the way back in 1975.
Following the impressive win this past Saturday, Sonnen has become the first fighter to be simultaneously ranked in two different weight classes.
According to the UFC’s official rankings, the former two-time Division I All-American wrestler is the number 9 middleweight in the world, as well as the 10th best light heavyweight fighter.
While the Oregonian is just 3-3 in his past six bouts, he has had his hand raised in eight of his past nine non-title bouts.
Since this evening’s edition of UFC Tonight revealed that Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson is likely to be signed for a November 9 card in Brazil, it seems quite likely that Sonnen will finally get to settle his score with Wanderlei.
Who thinks a Sonnen-Graham team up, even if it’s just one night, could be one of the best things to happen in MMA?
John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com.
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