Tag: Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen doesn’t think Khalil Rountree will be buying into the reputation that precedes Alex Pereira whenever he enters the Octagon. Rountree is days away from the biggest fight of his career to date, as he gears up to headline a pay-per-view and compete with gold on the line for the […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has at MMA News.

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen doesn’t think Khalil Rountree will be buying into the reputation that precedes Alex Pereira whenever he enters the Octagon.

Rountree is days away from the biggest fight of his career to date, as he gears up to headline a pay-per-view and compete with gold on the line for the very first time at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

If “The War Horse” is to continue his winning form all the way to the light heavyweight throne, he’ll have to unseat Pereira. That’s a task that former champions Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka have both failed to achieve in 2024.

Destructive performances against “Sweet Dreams” and “BJP” have only enhanced Pereira’s status as one of the promotion’s most feared knockout artists.

But when it comes to how opponents handle such a reputation, Sonnen doesn’t expect Rountree to be one who “wilts” come fight night…

Sonnen: Rountree A ‘Real Problem’ For Pereira

During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Sonnen reiterated his belief that an upset could be brewing in Salt Lake City.

In part, that’s down to the mindset of Rountree. According to “The American Gangster,” the challenger won’t crumble to the “fear factor” Pereira has developed in the way that others in the division would.

“I’m telling you, Daniel, every upset has a couple of commonalities. This fight, you’ve got to keep your eyes on it,” Sonnen said. “Number one battle Khalil’s got is to show up and fight. Pereira’s gonna get to a point where guys don’t do that.

“Pereira is entering that Mike Tyson-esque fear factor, where guys are going to wilt in the back. I just don’t believe that’s Khalil,” Sonnen continued. “I think Khalil’s got one more good one in him. I think he can overcome this, and I think he is a real problem for Pereira.”

Rountree’s history of violent knockouts may also have created a “fear factor” behind his own striking game. And that might especially be the case for kickboxing standouts given “The War Horse’s” habit of stalling their charges inside the cage.

It remains to be seen whether history will repeat itself in that regard this Saturday.

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has at MMA News.

Renato Moicano Placed In Same Conversation As McGregor, Adesanya & O’Malley: ‘He’s Doing That Good Of A Job…’

At 35-years old, Renato Moicano is on the best run of his career and really seems to have hit his stride in the lightweight division. The Brazilian has been a member of the UFC roster since 2014 and has stepped foot inside the Octagon 17 times, but it’s really in the last couple years that […]

Continue Reading Renato Moicano Placed In Same Conversation As McGregor, Adesanya & O’Malley: ‘He’s Doing That Good Of A Job…’ at MMA News.

At 35-years old, Renato Moicano is on the best run of his career and really seems to have hit his stride in the lightweight division.

The Brazilian has been a member of the UFC roster since 2014 and has stepped foot inside the Octagon 17 times, but it’s really in the last couple years that he has emerged as a major player.

His latest appearance this past weekend saw him compete in his first main event where he delivered his most impressive display to date, stopping Benoît Saint-Denis in Paris before the third round could get underway.

As he looks to secure a huge fight next time out, Moicano’s stock is only continuing to climb but the question is how much further can it go?

Chael Sonnen Says Renato Moicano Is Capturing The Attention Of The Fans Like A Superstar Does

Moicano’s profile has also increased because alongside this current run of form, his personality has really started to come across on the mic.

Whether it’s in post-fight interviews or his YouTube content, the “Money” Moicano persona is that larger-than-life personality that is going to turn heads.

Of course, none of that matters if you aren’t backing it up inside the cage and he’s covering that base very effectively.

During a recent episode of the Good Guy / Bad Guy show on ESPN MMA, Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen reviewed all the action from Paris.

Sonnen, who was extremely impressed by Moicano and knows a thing or two about getting over on the mic, said that the Brazilian is capturing that star quality which is a rare occurrence in MMA.

“Moicano is just covering all aspects of this sport. You generally can only monetize one thing. Your only commodity that you offer the sport is your performance but there is other opportunities if you can find them and that’s where Moicano, “Suga” Sean, Izzy Adesanya, for example, these guys have found another way. Conor McGregor. That’s a very elite company and to put Moicano’s name in the same conversation as Izzy and Conor and Sean, Daniel, I’m not out of bounds here, he’s doing that good of a job.”

Read also: Renato Moicano Plans To Prove He’s The Best UFC Lightweight: ‘Even If Khabib Comes Back…’ 

Continue Reading Renato Moicano Placed In Same Conversation As McGregor, Adesanya & O’Malley: ‘He’s Doing That Good Of A Job…’ at MMA News.

Chael Sonnen Explains Why Upset Could Be ‘Brewing’ In Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree At UFC 307

According to Chael Sonnen, all boxes needed for a major upset are being ticked ahead of the UFC 307 main event. Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Utah this week to stage its latest pay-per-view from Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. Two championship clashes are set to headline, with light heavyweight kingpin Alex […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Explains Why Upset Could Be ‘Brewing’ In Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree At UFC 307 at MMA News.

According to Chael Sonnen, all boxes needed for a major upset are being ticked ahead of the UFC 307 main event.

Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Utah this week to stage its latest pay-per-view from Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. Two championship clashes are set to headline, with light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira closing the show.

Having defended his gold successfully against both Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka thus far this year, “Poatan’s” reign will next meet the threat of a surprise challenger in the #8-ranked Khalil Rountree.

Many questioned the booking, suggesting the UFC avoided giving Magomed Ankalaev a deserved shot in order to keep Pereira’s ball rolling with another striking matchup.

But for Sonnen, that line of thinking is among many reasons why he thinks an upset is “brewing” at UFC 307…

Sonnen: Pereira vs. Rountree Has All The Makings Of An Upset

During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Sonnen looked ahead to the upcoming PPV main event in Utah.

While Pereira will enter as a heavy favorite given his winning form in 2024 to date, “The American Gangster” suggested that some differences in the narratives leading up to his latest defense could present a major threat to his reign.

“This fight card has the potential to be the one. You wanna know why, Daniel? It is brewing for an upset,” Sonnen said. “I’m not giving you a prediction, but I’m telling you now, everything that could be wrong for Pereira in terms of the commonalities that everyone that’s ever been upset has faced — finding yourself in a match that’s harder than the audience knows, finding yourself in a match that’s more dangerous than you’re aware, finding yourself in a match where this guy’s gonna play your game.

“I’m not arguing that Khalil is cleaner or more talented of a kickboxer than Pereira,” Sonnen continued. “But I will argue for you, Pereira can hit you one time and put you down, Khalil only has to hit him one time and Khalil will put him down.”

Rountree will be hoping that Sonnen is correct and those apparent pre-fight factors pave the way for his shock crowning in Salt Lake City this weekend.

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Explains Why Upset Could Be ‘Brewing’ In Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree At UFC 307 at MMA News.

‘Thirsty’ Jorge Masvidal Too Old to Be Re-Signed by the UFC

Thirsty' Jorge Masvidal Too Old to Be Re-Signed by the UFCAfter retiring from mixed martial arts amid a four-fight losing skid, Jorge Masvidal is looking to make a return…

Thirsty' Jorge Masvidal Too Old to Be Re-Signed by the UFC

After retiring from mixed martial arts amid a four-fight losing skid, Jorge Masvidal is looking to make a return to the UFC and believes the promotion will be “begging” him to fight for a title after he “knocks” someone dead.

It’s been more than five years since ‘Gamebred’ has seen his hand raised in both MMA and boxing. Still, that hasn’t stopped the Miami native from talking a big game and insisting that he can stroll back into the Octagon whenever he feels like it and bag a big-money fight against the likes of Leon Edwards or current welterweight king Belal Muhammad.

Jorge Masvidal

Chael Sonnen disagrees.

Offering an unfiltered take on Masvidal’s recent comments via his YouTube channel, ‘The American Gangster’ promptly shut down the two-time title challenger by suggesting that he’s simply too old for the UFC to bother with him anymore.

“Now here we are, and I don’t predict for you that they’re gonna make that fight [Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards]. In fact, quite the opposite,” Sonnen said. “I don’t predict for you anybody at the age of 40 is going to get signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, including, if it’s a re-signing right, for a guy that’s coming back, I think of a guy who exhausts his contract, even on a winning streak, but along the way past 40.

“Thank you very much for your time. That’s what I think. But there’s not an actual rule that says otherwise” (h/t MMA Mania).

Sonnen still open to seeing Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards

While Sonnen remains steadfast in his belief that the UFC is officially out of the ‘Gamebred’ business, he can’t deny that the built-in story between Masvidal and Edwards may be too good of an opportunity for the UFC to pass up.

“Even if it’s one night, and even if it’s in a checkers move, in a game of chess, where it’s got to have a return on investments, it’s got to have reasons, and you got to this fight carries to something else. You’re right. That is the way it’s done,” Sonnen said. “So, if we are discussing Leon and Masvdial and we’re trying to figure out why trying to justify it, and how exactly did we get here? Is it fun? Is it something I would like to see, I will just remind you three piece and a soda that should answer the question you.”

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In March 2019, Masvidal infamously delivered ‘Rocky’ a “three-piece and a soda” during a backstage altercation in London. The two were scheduled to settle things inside the Octagon two years later, but Masvidal withdrew due to an injury.

Edwards went on to capture the welterweight title while Masvidal lost two more bouts before exiting the promotion in 2023.

Jorge Masvidal

Chael Sonnen Dismisses ‘Thirsty’ Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Comeback Talk: ‘At The Age Of 40…’

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has his doubts when it comes to Jorge Masvidal entering the Octagon again. Masvidal — who failed in his two welterweight title bids opposite Kamaru Usman — called time on his mixed martial arts career at UFC 287 in Miami early last year. The event saw “Gamebred” comfortably outpointed […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Dismisses ‘Thirsty’ Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Comeback Talk: ‘At The Age Of 40…’ at MMA News.

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has his doubts when it comes to Jorge Masvidal entering the Octagon again.

Masvidal — who failed in his two welterweight title bids opposite Kamaru Usman — called time on his mixed martial arts career at UFC 287 in Miami early last year.

The event saw “Gamebred” comfortably outpointed by Gilbert Burns, adding to his previous losses to Colby Covington and Usman to mark his fourth straight setback inside the cage.

After announcing his retirement, the 39-year-old made his expected venture to the ring, where he ran it back with fellow ex-UFC star Nate Diaz at an event this past July.

But both during the lead-up to that bout — which he lost on the scorecards — and since, Masvidal has repeatedly expressed interest in a UFC comeback. He’s even set his sights on an opponent, calling to settle his unfinished business with Leon Edwards.

But when it comes to the UFC’s alleged interest in granting the return, Sonnen isn’t buying it…

Sonnen: Masvidal Too Old For Another UFC Stint

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen discussed Masvidal’s comeback talk and his decision to place Edwards in his sights.

While “The American Gangster” suggested that the matchup itself makes more sense now than it did at the time of Masvidal’s retirement, he ultimately can’t envision the UFC being interested in the soon-to-be 40-year-old extending his Octagon career.

“The last time I checked on Masvidal, he was 39,” Sonnen said. “Masvidal has looked very thirsty as of late. … I don’t care how thirsty a guy is or what he looks like in that regard, if he’s calling out guys like Leon, that guy is a badass, and that is what Jorge Masvidal is. Now that fight wouldn’t make a lot of sense. That fight isn’t taking it anywhere. It’s not taking it to a title fight. For those reasons, the fight makes more sense. That’s the whole reason we couldn’t do it before; one was a champion but the other wasn’t a top contender.

“I don’t predict for you that they’re going to make that fight. In fact, quite the opposite. I don’t predict for you anybody at the age of 40 is going to get signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, including if it’s a re-signing,” Sonnen continued. “That’s what I think, but there’s not an actual rule that says otherwise.”

Regardless of Sonnen’s view, Masvidal is evidently confident of making the walk again down the line.

By the looks of things, he’s been hard at work at the American Top Team facility in Coconut Creek, Florida, training with the likes of former Bellator champion and current free agent Yaroslav Amosov.

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Dismisses ‘Thirsty’ Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Comeback Talk: ‘At The Age Of 40…’ at MMA News.

The ‘Bad Guy’ Wants to See Islam Makhachev Make a Classic WWE-Style Heel Turn

The 'Bad Guy' Wants to See Islam Makhachev Make a Classic WWE-Style Heel TurnChael Sonnen wants to see Islam Makhachev embrace his natural role as a heel. During a recent episode of…

The 'Bad Guy' Wants to See Islam Makhachev Make a Classic WWE-Style Heel Turn

Chael Sonnen wants to see Islam Makhachev embrace his natural role as a heel.

During a recent episode of his ESPN show Good Guy/Bad Guy with former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, ‘The American Gangster’ spoke about the promotion’s recent struggles in finding the next big breakout star, much of it being blamed on the lack of lengthy title reigns by today’s talent.

Makhachev finds himself in a similar boat, having just completed his third defense of the lightweight title in June via a fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Before that, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ won back-to-back bouts against former featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski.

Islam Makhachev

Touting Jon Jones and Alex Pereira as the two biggest names in the game right now, Sonnen believes Makhachev could unseat them both and take his spot as the promotion’s top draw by making a classic WWE-style heel turn.

“Okay, that guy is so charismatic, and he is so secretly funny,” Sonnen said. “If he was to do a heel turn, I mean, come on, he said one of the great heel lines ever. He said a whole bunch of professors should be taking their black belts back from guys. Like that angle and that is blasphemy in this sport and nobody even knows got it. It was like this G-rated line, he didn’t use profanity, he didn’t yell. When he said it, he said it nicely” (h/t MMA News).

Sonnen certainly knows a thing or two about using his ability to talk as a way to sell himself. Going into his Hall of Fame clash with Anderson Silva at UFC 117, the West Linn, Oregon native drew in fight fans with his impeccable promo skills that saw him trash talk ‘The Spider’ in a way that no fighter had done before.

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Daniel Cormier wants to write material for Islam makhachev

Offering his take on the subject, Cormier appeared to agree with Sonnen, even suggesting that the two start writing material for Makhachev to help him go from a mild-mannered Dagestani scrapper to a Ric Flair-esque larger-than-life character on MMA’s biggest stage.

“I think that’s the move for Islam,” Cormier concurred. “He needs to get you and I to write him promos. We should write him promos. We write promos telling how much better he is than everyone. I would make him tell everybody that they don’t deserve to be in there with him and he’s just going to lord over this division until he decides to retire.”

Originally hoping to defend his title in Abu Dhabi this fall, Makhachev will be forced to sit out the remainder of the year due to an injury. When he is ready for a return, top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan will likely be the one waiting for him inside the Octagon.

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