4. He's A Polarizing Figure
No other fighter in the history of mixed martial arts, with the possible exceptions of Jon Jones and Ronda Rousey, has ever been the source of such a divisive opinion among fans. Very few people are apathetic toward Chael, choosing either to love him for the entertainment he brings us or despise him for his antics. Sonnen's detractors cite his failed drug tests, his money laundering charges, his outspoken political views and his loud mouth as reasons for disliking him. Some feel that being a fan of Sonnen limits their standing as an MMA purist, since he is more of a character than a no-nonsense fighter. These same people are already relishing the news that he's decided to step away from actively competing. Then there are those fans who see Sonnen for what he is and love him for it. We "get it". Here's a guy who overachieved in a sport full of incredibly talented men and women by calling attention to himself, mastering the art of promotion and standing out in the crowded field of competitors. He took a loss and three straight uneventful decisions and just by virtue of his charisma and being a one-man hype machine, created the most compelling feud MMA has ever seen. We choose to overlook the indiscretions because the net positives of his contrbution to the UFC are much greater. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, you'd be hard-pressed to find another fighter who has as many strong opinions about him as Chael Sonnen. And it doesn't matter if they love you or hate you, as long as they care.