Chael Sonnen’s second bid at the UFC middleweight title came up short over the weekend, when the brash American suffered a knockout loss to rival Anderson Silva.
While he could technically earn another title shot at middleweight, the time has come for him to move on. Sonnen should now make a permanent home at 205 pounds.
Sonnen is 35 years old. At his age, cutting weight is probably becoming more difficult and possibly taking a toll on his body. Although 35 is not old age by any means, in the fight world, it is.
Not only that, but Sonnen’s testosterone replacement therapy also probably makes cutting weight difficult. Should Sonnen move to 205, that would be 20 less pounds that he would need to cut.
There are plenty of fights for Sonnen to take at light heavyweight. In fact, I am sure there is one big name that wouldn’t mind getting his hands on “The American Gangster.”
That man is Lyoto Machida.
In Chael’s seemingly never ending attack on Brazil, Machida’s name has come up several times. Sonnen even called out Machida at one point, bidding for a fight with the karate master.
I know there are a number of middleweights who would love a go with Sonnen. Michael Bisping most likely wants a rematch, Wanderlei Silva wants to kill Sonnen for what he said about Brazil and Vitor Belfort has stated he wants Chael one on one as well.
I am sure there are plenty of fans that want to see those fights, too. However, wouldn’t you love to see Sonnen fight Machida or Rashad Evans or Ryan Bader?
I know, for one, that I would.
It’s a new division for Sonnen, meaning there are plenty of opponents that he hasn’t tangoed with yet. The same can’t be said about the middleweight division, as Sonnen has already faced a good number of talent at 185.
What do you think? Comment below on what weight class you think Sonnen should fight in following UFC 148. I know I would love to see him fight Anderson one more time, but if it’s not to be, then 205 should become his new home.
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