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| <small>Won WEC Middleweight Championship</small>
| <small>Non-title fight. Filho failed to make weight.</small>
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Revision as of 09:09, 15 September 2011

Chael Sonnen
File:Chael Sonnen at UFC 115.jpg
BornChael Patrick Sonnen
(1977-04-03) April 3, 1977 (age 47)
West Linn, Oregon, United States
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionMiddleweight (185 lb)
Light Heavyweight (205 lb)
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StyleGreco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Boxing
StanceSouthpaw
Fighting out ofPortland, Oregon
TeamTeam Quest
RankNCAA Division I Wrestling
Olympic Alternate Greco-Roman Wrestling
Years active1997, 2002–present (MMA)[1][2]
Mixed martial arts record
Total37
Wins25
By knockout7
By submission3
By decision15
Losses11
By knockout2
By submission8
By decision1
Draws1
Other information
OccupationMixed martial artist, promoter and entrepreneur
UniversityUniversity of Oregon
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: April 20, 2010

Chael Patrick Sonnen (pronounced /ˈtʃeɪl ˈsʌnən/; born April 3, 1977) is an American mixed martial arts fighter, who currently fights as a middleweight in the UFC. He was an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Oregon, a two-time University Greco national champion as well as the 85.0 kg silver medalist at the 2000 Greco-Roman World University Championships in Tokyo, Japan.[3]

Sonnen is ranked as the #2 middleweight in the world by Sherdog and #2 by FightMatrix.com.[4] He holds notable wins over Yushin Okami, Nate Marquardt, Trevor Prangley, Jason Miller, Paulo Filho and Jason Lambert.

Mixed martial arts career

Sonnen started his MMA career at the age of 19 in 1997 by defeating Ben Hailey in Vancouver, Washington. His second fight was against future ICON Sport Middleweight Champion and Strikeforce Middleweight contender Jason 'Mayhem' Miller. Sonnen went 6–0 in his first six fights, until his loss to Trevor Prangley, which he later avenged in 2006 at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 4. He also fought The Ultimate Fighter winner and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin. Sonnen went 13–6–1 in his first twenty MMA fights. Sonnen uses a 3XL size glove. Asked why he uses a bigger glove, he answered, "I find it easier to grab legs for takedowns."

UFC

After going 14–6–1 in twenty one fights, Sonnen made his UFC debut and faced former IFC and Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Renato Sobral at UFC 55, where Sonnen fought for his first time at Light Heavyweight. After dominating the first round with both superior stand-up and relentless takedowns, Sonnen lost via triangle choke. Afterwards he avenged his first ever MMA defeat by defeating Trevor Prangley at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 4 by unanimous decision. Then for a third time he fought Jeremy Horn at UFC 60 and lost via Armbar. Having gone 1–2 in the octagon, Sonnen was cut from the UFC.

Bodog Fight

After leaving the UFC, Sonnen was signed by Bodog Fight. He earned his first victory in Bodog Fight by defeating Tim Credeur via TKO. After that he fought Alexey Oleinik to a unanimous decision victory, and defeated Tim McKenzie via Brabo Choke within the first 15 seconds of the opening round. After quickly dismantling McKenzie, Sonnen fought UFC and Pride veteran Amar Suloev and won via TKO. After Bodog, Sonnen defeated future Ultimate Fighter member Kyacey Uscola at SuperFight 20: Homecoming.

World Extreme Cagefighting

In December 2007, Sonnen fought Paulo Filho for the WEC middleweight championship. Sonnen lost via submission at 4:55 of the second round. There was controversy stemming from the fight stoppage, however. Sonnen did not tap out but yelled out, and the referee took that as a verbal submission and stopped the fight. In his post-fight interview Sonnen said that he told the referee not to stop the fight, and continually said "No" when the referee asked if he wanted to submit. He eventually admitted that the stoppage was justified.[5]

A rematch between the two was scheduled for March 26, 2008, but was cancelled due to Paulo Filho checking himself into a rehabilitation clinic for an unknown substance abuse problem.[6] Sonnen instead faced undefeated WEC middleweight contender Bryan Baker and dominated him for three rounds, winning a unanimous decision.[7] Sonnen and Filho eventually met again on November 5, 2008, where Sonnen soundly defeated Filho by unanimous decision. Prior to the fight, Filho did not make weight, weighing in at close to seven pounds over 185, thus making the bout a non-title match and taking away the chance for Sonnen to rematch for the WEC title. After Filho lost, he announced he would ship Sonnen the championship belt.[8]

Return to UFC

Following the dissolution of the WEC's middleweight division Sonnen was moved back over to the UFC, in his first fight in the promotion since UFC 60, he lost via triangle choke to Demian Maia at UFC 95.

Sonnen defeated Dan Miller at UFC 98 on May 23 via unanimous decision. Sonnen showed his willingness and toughness as a fighter and came in as a late replacement for Yushin Okami when Okami sustained a torn ligament in training.[9] Sonnen took the fight on 22 days notice and lost 36 pounds to compete.[10] Incidentally in his next fight, Sonnen out-wrestled Okami at UFC 104 to a unanimous decision victory.[11] The weeks proceeding the fight, Okami ask and trained with Chael Sonnen and his camp for a number of weeks. Chael Sonnen commented on Okami's size, strength and skill set as well as his relationship with Okami as something close to a brother.

Sonnen was expected to face Nate Marquardt on February 21, 2010 at UFC 110, but the fight was moved up and the two fought at UFC 109 on February 6, with Sonnen winning via unanimous decision after out-wrestling the heavily favored Marquardt for three rounds. Marquardt caught Sonnen in two very deep Guillotine Chokes in the first and third rounds; however, Sonnen managed to get free. With the victory, Sonnen solidified his position as the next fighter in line to challenge Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight Championship.

Middleweight Championship Bout

Sonnen fought Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight Championship on August 7, 2010 at UFC 117.[12] Sonnen trash talked during the build up to the fight, which caused some controversy, as he stated that he was going to retire Silva.[13][14][15] Sonnen won each of the first four rounds on all of the judges' scorecards, with the score heading into the fifth round being 40–34, 40–35, and 40–36.[16][17] However in the final round Sonnen found himself caught in a triangle attempt by the champion, Sonnen managed to pull his head out of the choke, but fell into a triangle armbar by Silva, Sonnen tapped and lost the fight by triangle armbar at 3:10 in the fifth round. Silva became the third man in the UFC's history to finish a fight in the fifth round and the second via submission.

Aftermath

Sonnen stated he wanted another shot at Silva but did not want to wait around for a rematch until Silva recovered from a rib injury he allegedly carried into the Sonnen bout.[18] The much anticipated rematch was expected to take place sometime in early 2011.[19] However, post-fight drug tests showed Sonnen had an elevated testosterone level which fell far outside of the normal range prior to his fight with Anderson Silva.[20] According to California State Athletic Commission Executive Officer George Dodd, Chael Sonnen has been notified that he failed post-fight drug screening following his loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 117. Sonnen was fined $2,500 and suspended until September 2, 2011. Sonnen appealed on December 2, 2010.[21] He was scheduled to rematch Silva on Feb. 5 in Las Vegas, but that fight was ultimately scrapped in light of the ruling.[22] Vitor Belfort instead got the nod against Silva.[23]

Sonnen appealed his suspension on the grounds he had a medical reason for the elevated testosterone. He was diagnosed with hypogonadism in 2008 by a questionable doctor who is not an endocrinologist, and takes synthetic testosterone injections twice a week due to this condition.[24] The California State Athletic Commission decided to reduce his suspension to six months because he failed to properly disclose this before his fight. His suspension ended on March 2, 2011.

Sonnen was expected to face Yoshihiro Akiyama on March 19, 2011, at UFC 128,[25] but the fight is now on hold after the UFC put Sonnen's contract on hold following a money laundering conviction.[26] During this controversy Chael has still been training and helped Jake Shields in his recent fight with Georges St-Pierre at UFC 129.[27]

Sonnen planned to go before the Nevada State Athletic Commission on April 27, 2011, to clear up some unresolved issues with the commission and to re-apply for a fighter's license in the state, but his status as a convicted felon has interfered with that. There is a motorcycle rally held in Clark County, where the commission hearing is held, during that time and a mandate forbids convicted felons from entering the county during that time. Sonnen instead planned to meet with the commission sometime in May 2011.[28]

Following his felony conviction, however, and citing possible false testimony, California State Executive Director George Dodd on May 10, 2011, released a statement that Sonnen had been placed on an indefinite administrative suspension in California, and would have to appear before the California State Athletic Commission to appeal the decision.[29] Dodd added that it was his understanding that the Nevada State Athletic Commission would be honoring California's suspension of Sonnen.

On May 18, 2011, Sonnen appeared before the California State Athletic Commission to appeal from his indefinite administrative suspension. The commission, however, questioned the sincerity of Sonnen's response to questions about what the Commission considered were Sonnen's "inconsistent statements". The Commission panel voted 4–1 to uphold Sonnen's indefinite suspension, and later indicated that Sonnen was suspended until his current license ran out (i.e., June 29, 2011), and could not re-apply for a license in California until one year from the date of Commission's decision (i.e., May 18, 2012).[30] However, less than 48 hours later on May 20, 2011 the Commission altered its position, acknowledging that it had misinterpreted California Code of Regulations Title 4 Rule 399, and clarifying that Sonnen was able to apply for a fight license in the state any time after his current license expires (i.e., June 29, 2011). In the event Sonnen attempts such an application, he would have to appear again before the Commission panel, and it would remain within the Commission's discretion to deny Sonnen's application.[31]

Chael Sonnen will face Brian Stann on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136

Money laundering controversy

Sonnen pled guilty to charges of money laundering in connection with mortgage fraud on January 3, 2011. The maximum sentence is 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine,[32] but as a result of his plea and agreeing to cooperate with the investigation into a ring of mortgage fraud, Sonnen is expected to receive two years probation, a $10,000 fine, and the revocation of his realtor license.[33] Sonnen, a licensed realtor in the State of Oregon, admitted that a financial transaction he conducted was designed to conceal or disguise the ownership and control of the proceeds of wire fraud.[34]

As the agent for a home sale, Sonnen told the title company to pay a plumbing company owned by Sonnen's mother[35] for repairs, even though he knew that they would not be carried out.[36] After the mortgage company agreed to the loan, the plumbing company was paid $69,000, and then the plumbing company, at Sonnen's direction, paid the home buyer $65,000.[37]

As expected, Sonnen was fined $10,000 and sentenced to two years of probation.[38]

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts

Amateur wrestling

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
37 matches 25 wins 11 losses
By knockout 7 2
By submission 3 8
By decision 15 1
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 25–11–1 Anderson Silva Submission (triangle armbar) UFC 117 Aug 7, 2010 5 3:10 Oakland CA, USA For UFC Middleweight Championship, Fight of the Night.
Win 25–10–1 Nate Marquardt Decision (unanimous) UFC 109 Feb 6, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas NV, USA UFC Middleweight title eliminator Fight of the Night
Win 24–10–1 Yushin Okami Decision (unanimous) UFC 104 Oct 24, 2009 3 5:00 Los Angeles CA, USA
Win 23–10–1 Dan Miller Decision (unanimous) UFC 98 May 23, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas NV, USA
Loss 22–10–1 Demian Maia Submission (triangle choke) UFC 95 Feb 21, 2009 1 2:27 London England
Win 22–9–1 Paulo Filho Decision WEC 36 Nov 5, 2008 3 5:00 Hollywood FL, USA Non-title fight. Filho failed to make weight.
Win 21–9–1 Bryan Baker Decision (unanimous) WEC 33 Mar 26, 2008 3 5:00 Las Vegas NV, USA
Loss 20–9–1 Paulo Filho Submission (triangle armbar) WEC 31 Dec 12, 2007 2 2:15 Las Vegas NV, USA For WEC Middleweight Championship
Win 20–8–1 Kyacey Uscola TKO (punches) SportFight 20: Homecoming Oct 27, 2007 1 N/A Portland OR, USA
Win 19–8–1 Amar Suloev TKO (punches) Bodog Fight: Alvarez vs. Lee Jul 14, 2007 2 3:33 Trenton NJ, USA
Win 18–8–1 Tim McKenzie Submission (brabo choke) Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Feb 18, 2007 1 0:13 Costa Rica
Win 17–8–1 Alexey Oleinik Decision (unanimous) Bodog Fight: USA vs. Russia Dec 2, 2006 3 5:00 Vancouver BC, Canada
Win 16–8–1 Tim Credeur TKO (punches) Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Aug 22, 2006 1 2:18 Costa Rica
Loss 15–8–1 Jeremy Horn Submission (triangle armbar) UFC 60 May 27, 2006 2 1:17 Los Angeles CA, USA
Win 15–7–1 Trevor Prangley Decision (unanimous) UFC Ultimate Fight Night 4 Apr 6, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas NV, USA Return to Middleweight
Loss 14–7–1 Renato Sobral Submission (triangle choke) UFC 55 Oct 7, 2005 2 1:20 Uncasville CT, USA Light Heavyweight bout
Win 14–6–1 Tim Williams TKO (punches) SF 12: Rumble at The Rose Garden Jul 9, 2005 1 3:59 Portland OR, USA
Win 13–6–1 Adam Ryan TKO (punches) Euphoria: USA vs. World Feb 26, 2005 1 3:49 Atlantic City NJ, USA
Loss 12–6–1 Terry Martin TKO (corner stoppage) XFO 4 Dec 3, 2004 2 5:00 McHenry IL, USA
Win 12–5–1 Alex Stiebling Decision (unanimous) WEC 12 Oct 21, 2004 3 5:00 Lemoore CA, USA
Loss 11–5–1 Jeremy Horn Submission (guillotine choke) SF 6: Battleground in Reno Sep 23, 2004 2 2:35 Reno NV, USA
Loss 11–4–1 Keiichiro Yamamiya Decision (majority) Pancrase: 2004 NeoBlood Tournament Final Jul 25, 2004 3 5:00 Tokyo Japan
Loss 11–3–1 Jeremy Horn TKO (cut) EC 57 May 6, 2004 1 3:44 Council Bluffs IA, USA
Win 11–2–1 Justin Bailey KO (flying knee) ROTR: Rage on The River Apr 17, 2004 1 2:54 Redding CA, USA
Win 10–2–1 Arman Gambaryan Decision (unanimous) Euphoria: Russia vs. USA Mar 13, 2004 3 5:00 Atlantic City NJ, USA
Win 9–2–1 Homer Moore Decision (unanimous) ROTR 4.5: Proving Ground Dec 27, 2003 2 5:00 Hilo HI, USA
Win 8–2–1 Greg Curnut Submission (punches) FCFF: Rumble at Roseland 10 Dec 13, 2003 1 1:07 Portland OR, USA
Win 7–2–1 Jason Lambert Decision (Unanimous) Gladiator Challenge 20 Nov 13, 2003 3 5:00 Colusa CA, USA
Loss 6–2–1 Forrest Griffin Submission (triangle choke) IFC: Global Domination Sep 6, 2003 1 2:25 Denver CO, USA
Draw 6–1–1 Akihiro Gono Draw (?) Pancrase: Hybrid 2 Feb 16, 2003 2 5:00 Osaka Japan
Loss 6–1 Trevor Prangley Technical Submission (armbar) XFA 5: Redemption Jan 25, 2003 1 2:49 West Palm Beach FL, USA
Win 6–0 Justin Hawes KO (punches) UFCF: Rumble in Rochester Aug 24, 2002 2 0:37 Rochester WA, USA
Win 5–0 Jesse Ault Decision (unanimous) RFC 1: The Beginning Jul 13, 2002 3 5:00 Las Vegas NV, USA
Win 4–0 Scott Shipman Submission (forearm choke) Dangerzone: Caged Heat Apr 13, 2002 2 7:08 New Town ND, USA
Win 3–0 Jesse Ault Decision (unanimous) Dangerzone: Caged Heat Apr 13, 2002 2 5:00 New Town ND, USA
Win 2–0 Jason Miller Decision (unanimous) HFP 1: Rumble on The Reservation Mar 30, 2002 2 5:00 Anza CA, USA
Win 1–0 Ben Hailey[2][42] Decision (unanimous) Battle of Fort Vancouver May 10, 1997 1 N/A Vancouver WA, USA

See also

References

  1. ^ BFV Battle of Fort Vancouver. Sherdog.com (1997-05-10). Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  2. ^ a b Sherdog.com. "Chael Sonnen MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography, and More". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  3. ^ – From the Wrestling Database; search at Wrestling Database
  4. ^ Sherdog.com. "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  5. ^ Controversy follows Filho's title defense – MMA – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  6. ^ "WEC Middleweight Title Bout Postponed". wec.tv. 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
  7. ^ Gerbasi, Thomas (2008-03-17). "Baker Steps in to Face Sonnen on March 26th". wec.tv. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
  8. ^ Filho to Give Up WEC Belt. Fighters.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  9. ^ Chael Sonnen fills in for Yushin Okami against Dan Miller at UFC 98. Fiveouncesofpain.com (2009-04-30). Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  10. ^ McCray, Brad. (2009-05-21) Despite 36-pound drop, third-choice Chael Sonnen thankful for UFC 98 slot. Mmajunkie.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  11. ^ UFC 104 http://mmajunkie.com/news/15540/yushin-okami-vs-chael-sonnen-middleweight-bout-set-for-ufc-104-in-los-angeles.mma
  12. ^ "Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen official for UFC 117 in Oakland". fiveknuckles.com. Retrieved 2010-06-04.
  13. ^ Post your comment. "MMA | Fighting talk – Chael Sonnen". Joe.ie. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  14. ^ Chael Sonnen Continues Trash-Talking At UFC 115 Q&A. Fightofthenight.com (2010-06-12). Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  15. ^ Chael Sonnen Is Not a Racist or a Xenophobe: You're Just an Idiot. Bleacherreport.com (2010-07-29). Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  16. ^ Sonnen accomplished everything against Silva, except the victory – Josh Gross – SI.com. Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  17. ^ Iole, Kevin. (2010-08-08) Silva's comeback one for the ages – UFC – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  18. ^ "UFC 117 Medical Report Confirms Anderson Silva's Rib Injury". Fightofthenight.Com. 2010-08-17. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  19. ^ "Dana White: Chael Sonnen rematch up next for UFC champ Anderson Silva". mmajunkie.com. August 24, 2010.
  20. ^ "CSAC Releases Statement on Sonnen Suspension". sherdog.com. September 22, 2010.
  21. ^ By Josh Gross, SI.com (2010-10-04). "Suspended UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen files request for appeal – SI.com – Boxing". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  22. ^ "CSAC: Sonnen tests positive for PEDS at UFC 117". mmajunkie.com. September 19, 2010.
  23. ^ "White: Belfort to Face Silva for UFC Middleweight Title". sherdog.com. September 22, 2010.
  24. ^ "Sonnen's Suspension Reduced to Six Months". cagepotato.com. December 3, 2010.
  25. ^ "Chael Sonnen vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128". mmajunkie.com. January 4, 2011.
  26. ^ "Following money laundering conviction, Chael Sonnen suspended by UFC". MMAjunkie.com. 2011-01-04. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  27. ^ "Chael Sonnen helping Jake Shields prepare for GSP". Retrieved 2011-04-10.
  28. ^ "Chael Sonnen's Meeting with Nevada Commission Delayed, No New Date Scheduled". MMAWeekly.com. 2011-04-20.
  29. ^ "Chael Sonnen Put Back Under Suspension in California". MMAWeekly.com. 2011-05-10.
  30. ^ "Sonnen Eligible to Reapply for License in May 2012". Sherdog.com. 2011-05-19.
  31. ^ Marrocco, Steven. (2011-05-20) CSAC changes mind, UFC's Chael Sonnen free to apply for license after June 29. MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  32. ^ "Man pleads guilty in mortgage fraud case involving Vancouver firm". The Columbian. 2011-01-03. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  33. ^ "Chael Sonnen, former UO wrestler and ultimate fighter, guilty in real estate case". OregonLive.com. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  34. ^ Chael Sonnen Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Related to Mortgage Fraud US DOA Office District of Oregon. January 3, 2011
  35. ^ Wagenheim, Jeff. "IRS troubles, UFC freeze could throw career of Chael Sonnen into jeopardy - Jeff Wagenheim - SI.com". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  36. ^ "Down for the count: Chael Sonnen pleads guilty to money laundering". Lakeoswegoreview.com. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  37. ^ "Sonnen admits to money laundering, faces probation - MMA Fighting Stances: Mixed martial arts intelligence from the cage and ring - USATODAY.com". Content.usatoday.com. 2011-01-03. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  38. ^ "Chael Sonnen Receives Two Year Probation and $10,000 Fine in Money Laundering Case". MMAWeekly.com. 2011-04-08. Retrieved 2011-06-03.
  39. ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2011). "Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA: 1–40. ISSN 1083-9593.
  40. ^ Chael Sonnen. NCAA Division I Collegiate Championship. wrestlinghalloffame.org
  41. ^ a b c d e f 1997 NCAA Wrestling Championship Biography – Sonnen Chael. Uni.edu. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
  42. ^ Sherdog.com (1997-05-10). "BFV Battle of Fort Vancouver". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2011-02-03.

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