Sonen: ‘Ed Soares is not in a position of power’

Chael Sonnen’s decision victory against Nate Marquardt at UFC 109 secured the outspoken Team Quest fighter a future bout with the winner of the Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort title fight during UFC 112.

During UFC 109 a few nights ago, Sonnen completely dominated the fight with 158 total strikes to Marquardt’s 46 strikes. Marquardt got him in a very tight guillotine choke late in the third round, which Sonnen admitted wasn’t an ideal position to be in.

Tapping, no, Sonnen told MMA HQ, instead of saying he was close to going out from the choke.

Sonnen constantly causes controversies within the MMA community due to his very public opinion, and receives quite a bit of criticism. Although some fighters claim they don’t listen to comments and criticisms, Sonnen admits he pays attention to the talk. Specifically, Sonnen was an underdog as Marquardt was highly praised as an all around better fighter:

I listen to them (the comments). I’m a fan, so I can’t get around the comments. His skills are his skills and my skills are my skills. Neither increase or diminishes the other thoughts.

Sonnen has been extremely outspoken about fighting current champion Silva, even though the Brazilian fighter has dismantled opponents at middleweight and light heavyweight.

Between the two of them, yeah. Both fights will be miserable and hard. Middleweight is by far the toughest weight class out there, so to get to the top, you have to be great and you have to expect the same from your opponent.

Ed Soares, Silva’s manager, said Sonnen should have a rematch with Demian Maia before earning a shot at the title. Maia beat Sonnen via triangle choke submission during UFC 95 last March.

I won’t respond. Ed isn’t in a position of power – he is in a position of opinion. Dana (White) and Joe Silva have already spoken, their word is final, my fate is set.

Unlike many professional MMA athletes, Sonnen still holds a job and volunteers in the community.

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