10 Things UFC Wants You To Forget About Chael Sonnen
2. Brawl On The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5waenm4SpQ When Sonnen signed up for the coaching job on The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3, it was widely believed that the light heavyweight had foolishly signed his death warrant. Sonnen was heading into a country plagued with crime which he was renowned for insulting territory is rarely more hostile. Sonnen would also have to spend weeks in the company of Wanderlei Silva who is known to absolutely despise him. At one point during filming, with Wanderlei disgusted by Sonnens comments about Brazil he attempted the fruitless task of getting Chael to apologise. This turned into an argument which escalated rapidly. Wanderlei got in Chaels face and Chael pushed him in retaliation which resulted in the Brazilian throwing a punch that the American ducked under before taking the Axe Murderer down utilising his stellar wrestling skills. When the two hit the floor everyone else joined the fray, including one of Wanderleis coaching staff who threw a sucker punch at the back of Sonnens head. Some people blame Wanderlei for starting this brawl, others blame Sonnen but regardless of who you place the blame on for this incident, it is bad publicity for the UFC. This doesnt mean that they wouldnt use it to market the series of TUF but generally speaking the promotion is trying to distance itself from the image of its fighters being uncontrollable brutes. In the short term the brawl may have helped the UFC but in the long term it will be a hindrance they'd rather we forget.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.