"Shocked. He comes from a fighting culture. I was blown away that he would insult his entire heritage like that. Behind the scenes, I knew he was a coward, but in a million years, I never thought he would show it publicly...I am clearly the UFC Champion, recognized world-wide and prepared to defend my title against all comers...I'm the biggest draw in the industry today. I sell more tickets, more pay-per-views, and more merchandise than any fighter in history. Comparing GSP to me is like comparing Kimbo to Ali...When you are the best fighter in the world today, they got a name for ya. They don't call you a great fighter, they call you CHAEL SONNEN," stated UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen, who shared his thoughts on a number of subjects, including a rematch with UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort's challenge, hosting the MMA Awards and much more. You don't want to miss what the always entertaining Sonnen had to say. Check it out!
PC: Finally, Chael Sonnen has made his FightHype debut (laughing). How is it going my man?
CS: Just sitting here watching Apocalypto with my 4-year-old nephew and 6-year-old niece.
PC: Congratulations on your win over Brian Stann. Was it tough to come off of a fight where you had nothing but disdain for your opponent, have to sit out a year, and then come back against a guy like Stann?
CS: Yes, not an ideal situation, but none of them are. Lots of time, work is unpleasant, but you show up anyway.
PC: Your approach to MMA is revolutionizing the sport in my opinion. I mean, you offer up a loser leave town/weight class fight against Anderson Silva. That's something that has never been done. I'm sure you are disappointed that he declined the offer.
CS: Shocked. He comes from a fighting culture. I was blown away that he would insult his entire heritage like that. Behind the scenes, I knew he was a coward, but in a million years, I never thought he would show it publicly.
PC: It appears you are in Silva's head in more ways than one. Because of you, he may be splitting with his longtime manager/translator. Do you plan this stuff (laughing)?
CS: I like Ed and he is very good at his job. He has protected a phony, got him paid and pushed more than anybody, and created a false legacy for a bum. Ed should be praised and copied, not fired. I have great management and I'm lucky to be with them, but if I wasn't, I would hire Ed...and I'm not kidding.
PC: You feel as though you are the uncrowned 185-pound champion, so if Silva refuses, is there anyone else you are targeting?
CS: Wrong, I am crowned. I am clearly the UFC Champion, recognized world-wide and prepared to defend my title against all comers.
PC: Is your date still Superbowl weekend, or if it's not going to be Silva, do you think they will move you?
CS: Like I told the folks at www.athletebay.com, my next opponent, the venue, and the stakes are already set.
PC: Is Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva 2 bigger than Nick Diaz vs. Georges St. Pierre in your mind and would you like to be the first to headline an event in Cowboys Stadium?
CS: I'm the biggest draw in the industry today. I sell more tickets, more pay-per-views, and more merchandise than any fighter in history. Comparing GSP to me is like comparing Kimbo to Ali.
PC: How do they not headline "The People's Champ" for their FOX debut my man?
CS: Glad you mentioned that. Let's remind the fans to tune in on the 12th and witness history.
PC: Also, how the hell didn't you win a Twitter bonus for creativity? I think you need to hire me on your team (laughing).
CS: No comment.
PC: You don't follow anyone on Twitter, but you have an unbelievable amount of followers. Is there a reason that you don't? Born leader and not a follower, huh?
CS: I'm a Gangster from West Linn, Oregon, and I do as I damn well please!
PC: Vitor Belfort, someone else you had words with, is set to fight Anthony Johnson in Johnson's middleweight debut. Both of those guys are injury prone. Do you see that fight coming off in Brazil?
CS: Vitor mentioned my name because he knew I was busy and knew he wouldn't have to get locked in there with me. Well guess what, Vitor? I am busy, but I still got time to kick your ass. Challenge ACCEPTED!
PC: You have very underrated boxing skills. I personally have never seen you handled in a standup fight. At one point, King Mo told me you wanted to work with Floyd Mayweather Sr. I had Sr. waiting for you. Is he someone you would like to work with in the future?
CS: I have the best boxing coach in the World, Clayton Hires. I'm also the only MMA fighter that has got to work with Teddy Atlas. I think Mr. Mayweather is outstanding, and if he is embracing MMA, good for him.
PC: I would have to be a fly on the wall to hear some of the quotes from the two self-proclaimed best at what they do (laughing). Not to mention, both of you guys have strong personalities.
CS: He is a coach, I am an athlete. That means he is above me, period. If a coach tells me to do something, I do it.
PC: Before I let you go, you will be hosting the MMA Awards. I can only imagine if Anderson Silva wins an award and is present at the event. Will there be extra security for you guys?
CS: It's not my night, it's the athlete's. All participants receiving awards will have earned them and there will be no drama. I encourage ALL fighters to come, even the fake ones. So please Vanderli, press your finest mismatched suit and limp on down to the Palms on November 30.
PC: I appreciate your time Chael. I hope you can secure that title fight you have wanted. We definitely gotta get the best middleweight in the world on the best combat site in the world a lot more. Is there anything else you want to say to your fans in closing?
CS: When you are the best fighter in the world today, they got a name for ya. They don't call you a great fighter, they call you CHAEL SONNEN.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]