Is Chael Sonnen the nicest guy in MMA?
Put Chael Sonnen in front of a mic and his utterances can make an entire nation’s blood boil. Out of…
Put Chael Sonnen in front of a mic and his utterances can make an entire nation’s blood boil. Out of sight of media, Sonnen recently displayed unprecedented kindness.
MMAMania’s Jesse Holland found a post on the UFC.com forums, by the father of 11-year-old Ty Costlow, and tracked him down for more details.
“I took my 11 year old son, Ty, to UFC 136. He is a huge UFC fan and we traveled from NJ to go to the Fan Expo and attend the fight.
“After Chael’s victory, my son approached the security gate to get his autograph. Chael lifted my son over the gate and took him behind the scenes where the other fighters were either recovering from their fight or preparing for an upcoming battle. A security guard brought me back as well, and what followed is a father/son moment that we will both never forget.
“Chael took off his wraps and signed them for my son. There are professional photo sessions taken immediately after the fight, Chael included my son with him in the photos. He then took us to each locker room, introduced us to the fighters and had them sign Ty’s shirt, hat, and program. We then were allowed into Frankie Edgar’s locker room where he was warming up for his title fight. Frankie stopped his warm-up and spent time talking to my son and signing various items.
“We returned to our seats to watch the final two fights. Chael had the security people take us to a section where UFC fighters sat who were not fighting that evening. Each of them signed my son’s program.
“Chael was a gentleman and gave my son an experience that he will never forget.
“The entire UFC family could not have been more accessible and friendly. I’m sure that there is not another group of professional athletes that would be as inviting to an 11 year old boy during an event. I will always be a Chael Sonnen fan after seeing his heart warming interaction with my son.”
Confirmation at 5:28 mark: