Sonnen: MMA is barbaric, that’s not a crime
Fighters Only: Standing for a political party of somewhat conservative leanings, have you encountered any problems at all with voters…
Fighters Only: Standing for a political party of somewhat conservative leanings, have you encountered any problems at all with voters or Republican party members who consider mixed martial arts to be unpalatable, brutal etc?
Chael Sonnen: Yes. Look, we have to stop saying MMA isn’t brutal, it is. Accept it and offer no apology for it. When I got this sport legalized in Oregon and forced the Oregon Boxing Commission to extend to MMA, I told a judge and a Senate sub-committee that this sport is both brutal and barbaric. Understand this: neither of those things are a crime, and neither warrants an explanation.
FO: The UFC is very keen on legitimization and on shedding the old ‘bloodsport’ image that it once had. The UFC top brass must be quite excited at the prospect of having an elected representative of the people on their roster? (The only other fighter I can think of who has achieved similar is Mirko Filipovic, who was elected to the Croatian parliament)
CS: A member of the Croatian parliament couldn’t get his own mother out of a speeding ticket. What are they going to do, lead their 200-strong military into a battle? My hometown could invade Croatia in 15 minutes and while Mirko stands there holding a dart and a spitball, you will understand what he was really elected to.
FO: Anderson Silva has in the past been provoked into apparent apoplexy by the slightest hint of disrespect from his opponents. The ‘Dance in Abu Dhabi’ was ostensibly prompted by Maia, a decorated BJJ practitioner, having the audacity to suggest in a pre-fight interview (and in placid fashion) that he may submit Anderson. With this in mind, Anderson will presumably be scaling new heights of indignation by the time your meeting with him rolls around. Is this part of the plan?
CS: I quit reading the question as soon as I read the word “disrespect.” That’s street talk. Kids are shooting one another and citing “respect,” as the motivation. Adults don’t worry about respect. We worry about ourselves and our families.