It goes without saying that one Chael P. Sonnen has the most to gain in the entirety of the UFC 148 fight card.
Every other combatant in the mix is a No. 2 contender with regards to most to gain.
Anderson wants to make a statement of intent, Tito Ortiz will attempt to end his career on a high note and Demian Maia needs to impress on his welterweight debut.
Chad Mendes is looking for redemption and Melvin Guillard sits precariously close to the hot seat following back-to-back defeats.
With that said, the self-proclaimed “American Gangster” heads into the main event knowing a loss will automatically confine him to the list of MMA’s also-rans, but a victory will thrust him into the media’s spotlight like never before.
Furthermore, a resounding win—or a win nonetheless—against the pound-for-pound linchpin will place him on a pedestal of MMA godliness.
Prior to garnering the notoriety he now has the pleasure of basking in, Sonnen was nothing more than an afterthought apropos skill set and accomplishments (he still hasn’t achieve anything yet).
All that changed when he almost untangled “The Spider’s” web back at UFC 117. From thenceforth, he became a force to be reckoned with.
However, the West Linn, Oregon, native now has the opportunity to feast with the MMA giants and to boot, mentioned in the same breath, if he can end the 14-fight winning streak of Silva and in the process capture UFC gold.
For the 35-year-old Sonnen (27-11- MMA, 6-4 UFC) greatness awaits—he without a doubt has the most to gain at UFC 148.
As the man said himself:
“One night, one moment, 12 pounds of gold. This will all be a colossal failure if I don’t have that one night.”
UFC 148 is scheduled for July 7, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
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