9 Reasons Chael Sonnen's Retirement Is A Big Blow To The UFC
5. Fearlessness
The current state of MMA is plagued with fighters who are playing it safe for fear of losing, content with ugly decision wins that improve their ranking rather than go balls out and put on a show for the crowd. This mentality has led to some of the more hotly anticipated contests between men who have a lot on the line to become stalemates lacking aggression and risk. Its an unfortunate scenario for viewers, and part of the reason many of the fan base soured on Georges St. Pierre. Being willing to accept fights that dont make sense or on short notice due to an injury is also a rare quality for the big name competitors. Often too concerned over losing their place in line, guys turn down fights to the chagrin of the company and the fans. Chael P. Sonnen (and the P. stands for perfection) has never turned down a fight in his life, stepping up to fill out cards on short notice against favored opponents. And when the bell rings, he maintains that same warrior attitude, pushing forward and standing in front of superior strikers, always being aggressive and showing no fear. Even when outmatched on paper, Sonnen gave his all. It didnt always go his way, in fact sometimes it went horribly bad for him (see the Rashad Evans fight for evidence of this) but he never wavered.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
