The 17th season of the ultimate fighter premieres January 22nd on FX. I was a big fan of the show back in season one but haven't watched it regularly since. However, you can bet I'll be glued to the TV every Tuesday night this year for one reason above all else; Chael Sonnen. Whether you love the guy or can't stand him, Chael is the embodiment of entertainment. At the most basic level, he's a shit talker who taunts and jeers his opponents into making mistakes both inside and outside the ring. Taking a closer look, it becomes clear that Sonnen doubles as a revenue generating machine who can back up all his prodding with mental and physical toughness in addition to a steadfast determination and work ethic. As the name behind some of the best sound bites of all time, Sonnen has created quite the character. It is worth noting, however, that this has not always been the case. He was always a good fighter, but the personality didn't come until later. Thank god it did.
Despite your personal feelings about Chael, he brings attention to the sport and is a big reason why it's growing so rapidly. People see his YouTube videos, watch him in various interviews, and see his remarks on twitter and think to themselves, "I've got to check this guy out." And anyone who loves the UFC should understand and appreciate what Chael is doing for the sport. Far too often, the guy who talks the most trash is the weakest, however, Sonnen truly backs up every statement with his performance in the ring. His last big fight was a rematch against undefeated Anderson Silva for what many considered to be the most anticipated fight in UFC history. The two grew to hate each other, and in the months leading up to the fight, verbal lashings were exchanged until it all came together in the Octagon. In addition to being a fight for the UFC Middleweight Championship, the match also held the promise of clearing up the controversy from the first Silva vs. Sonnen bout. Sonnen dominated the fight for 4 and a half rounds, entering the 5th round with the judges' scorecards reading 40-34, 40-35, and 40-36. Despite the lopsided fight, Silva managed to catch Sonnen in a triangle armbar, forcing Chael to submit and leaving fans everywhere in doubt of who really deserved to win the fight.
Silva vs. Sonnen II was not so close. Although round one bore a striking resemblance to the first fight, a swing and a miss on a spinning backfist led to Silva jumping on the mistake to win by TKO. The feeling of defeat did not last long in Chael's psyche, however. Light Heavyweight Champion, Jon "Bones" Jones had an opponent drop out at the last minute and Chael jumped at the opportunity. He said he would gladly fight Jones, one of the best fighters in UFC history, despite being a lower weight class, but Jones declined the offer, stating that he had not prepared for Sonnen and that Sonnen hadn't earned a shot at the Light Heavyweight Title. BUT, that was then and this is now. The best part about Sonnen and Jones being named this year's The Ultimate Fighter coaches, is that at the end of the season, they will square off in what is sure to be an all out brawl. The fight is set for April 27th, 2013 and I suggest you all tune in! Oh... and the show itself should be pretty dope too.
(Chael Sonnen - American Gangster)
