Best fights of Chael Sonnen
Over 22 years as a professional, Chael Sonnen has compiled a 31-17-1 (12) record, including six title fights across three weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Chael Sonnen submits Maurício Rua
On August 17, 2013 Chael Sonnen faced Maurício Rua in a light heavyweight bout. Sonnen was 36 years old with a record of 28-13-1, and Rua was 31 with a record of 21-7. Sonnen was on a 2-fight losing streak and Rua was coming off a loss. Sonnen submitted Maurício Rua via guillotine choke in the 1st round.
2. Chael Sonnen defeats Nate Marquardt
On February 6, 2010 Chael Sonnen faced Nate Marquardt in a middleweight bout. Sonnen was 32 years old with a record of 25-10-1, and Marquardt was 30 with a record of 29-8-2. Sonnen was on a 2-fight winning streak and Marquardt was on a 3-fight winning streak. Sonnen won via unanimous decision.
3. Chael Sonnen draws with Akihiro Gono
On February 16, 2003 Chael Sonnen faced Akihiro Gono in a light heavyweight bout. Sonnen was 25 years old with a record of 6-1, and Gono was 28 with a record of 15-9-6. Sonnen was coming off a loss, while Gono was coming off a win. The fight ended in a unanimous decision.
4. Chael Sonnen defeats Paulo Filho in their 2nd fight
On November 5, 2008 Chael Sonnen faced Paulo Filho in a middleweight bout. It was their second meeting. Sonnen was 31 years old with a record of 22-9-1, and Filho was 30 with a record of 16-0. Sonnen was coming off a win and Filho was on an undefeated 16-fight winning streak. Sonnen won via unanimous decision.
5. Chael Sonnen loses to Anderson Silva via KO
On August 7, 2010 Chael Sonnen fought Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title. Sonnen was 33 years old with a record of 26-10-1, and Silva was 35 with a record of 28-4. Sonnen was on a 3-fight winning streak and Silva was on a 12-fight winning streak. Silva submitted Sonnen via triangle choke in the 5th round. Failed to capture the title.
6. Chael Sonnen defeats Yushin Okami
On October 24, 2009 Chael Sonnen faced Yushin Okami in a middleweight bout. Sonnen was 32 years old with a record of 24-10-1, and Okami was 28 with a record of 24-4. Sonnen was coming off a win and Okami was on a 3-fight winning streak. Sonnen won via unanimous decision.
7. Chael Sonnen defeats Michael Bisping
On January 28, 2012 Chael Sonnen faced Michael Bisping in a middleweight bout. Sonnen was 34 years old with a record of 27-11-1, and Bisping was 32 with a record of 22-3. Sonnen was coming off a win and Bisping was on a 4-fight winning streak. Sonnen won via unanimous decision.
8. Chael Sonnen defeats Renato Sobral
On May 2, 2003 Chael Sonnen faced Renato Sobral in a light heavyweight bout. Sonnen was 26 years old with a record of 6-1-1, and Sobral was 27 with a record of 20-5. Sobral was coming off a loss. Sonnen won via unanimous decision.
9. Chael Sonnen submits Brian Stann
On October 8, 2011 Chael Sonnen faced Brian Stann in a middleweight bout. Sonnen was 34 years old with a record of 26-11-1, and Stann was 31 with a record of 11-3. Sonnen was coming off a loss, while Stann was on a 3-fight winning streak. Sonnen submitted Brian Stann via arm-triangle choke in the 2nd round.
10. Chael Sonnen defeats Quinton Jackson
On January 20, 2018 Chael Sonnen faced Quinton Jackson in a heavyweight bout. Sonnen was 40 years old with a record of 30-15-1, and Jackson was 39 with a record of 37-12. Sonnen was coming off a win, while Jackson was coming off a loss. Sonnen won via unanimous decision.