Chael Sonnen seems to be the overwhelming favorite heading into his clash with Mark Munoz in the co-main-event at UFC on Fox 2 later this month. The matchup will no doubt determine who gets first refusal at the UFC middleweight title and Anderson “The Spider” Silva.
At UFC 117, Uncle Chael was on the cusp of being crowned the new 185-pound champion. That, however, all went up in smoke, as a rush of blood to the head sent him into Silva’s guard and he was submitted via triangle armbar.
Ever since that failed night, the self proclaimed “American Gangster” has set his sights on a rematch with the UFC kingpin.
That rematch is slated for sometime in 2012, with the likely destination being Silva’s own backyard, Brazil.
Though, before he can make that trip, he first has to take care of “The Filipino Wrecking Machine,” who himself has plans of taking that flight as well.
The word through the grapevine, however, is that Sonnen’s on a mission, and nothing or nobody will stand in his path to glory, especially Munoz.
So in essence, all that’s left is for the latter to turn up on fight night and subsequently leave the Octagon several rungs behind Uncle Chael.
For anyone to dismiss Munoz’s chances, Sonnen (27-11-1 MMA, 5-4 UFC) included, would be an act of folly.
As has been proven in the past as well as the present, MMA is one of the most unpredictable of sports— Mark Hominick and Jon Fitch are testament to that.
Both Sonnen and Munoz (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) are NCAA Division I wrestlers, though the former just about edges it in that realm.
If Sonnen has his way, the fight will be played out on the mat, still, if at any period Munoz should gain the upper hand, his ground and pound could make all the difference to the outcome of the fight.
Also, as Munoz has alluded to, he possesses some good defensive (a jiu-jitsu purple belt) submissions skills.
As yet, he hasn’t utilized that skill set to the best of his abilities, but that could all be about to change.
And it’s no secret that Sonnen is susceptible to submissions, having been on the receiving end of eight in his 11 defeats to date.
Still, expect Munoz to do his utmost to keep the fight a stand-and-bang affair where he can employ his boxing skills and inflict some damage.
It might not be that apparent, but the overall advantage favors Munoz.
At present, The Filipino Wrecking Machine is riding a four-fight winning streak; expect him to make it five in a row come fight night.
UFC on Fox 2 is scheduled to take place on Jan. 28 at the United Center in Chicago.
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