Chael Sonnen remembers the feeling of facing Jon Jones for the title: 'I never wanted a rematch'

Former title challenger leaves ego aside and recognizes the great skill displayed by his compatriot during the confrontation

One of the few athletes who came close to stealing the belt from Jon Jones in light heavyweights (up to 93kg.), Chael Sonnen recalled the feeling of sharing the octagon with a compatriot. In a sincere stance, the veteran surprised by revealing that this was the only defeat in which he did not wish to have a rematch against the winner. On that occasion, 'Bones' won by technical knockout at UFC 159.

“I thought I could be better than him. You have to understand, in this fight, it was the first time I fought at 93kg. He pushed me across the octagon like a Volvo against a Mack truck, and I started looking for a way out. That's the truth. It was like being locked in a cage with a bear, and I'm glad it's over. This is the only fight or competition I've ever lost where I didn't want a rematch. I didn't need a rematch. We’re fine,” Sonnen said on the channel 'Good Guy, Bad Guy'.

PUBLICITY:

See too

Steve Erceg is challenging for the belt at UFC 301. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@ufc
Conor McGregor

Still according to Sonnen, before the fight there was confidence that he could overcome the dominant light heavyweight champion.

“What I remember from that night is that I thought I could beat him. I had been on The Ultimate Fighter with him and most athletes who are really good aren't really tough. Most athletes who are really strong aren't really good... When I did The Ultimate Fighter with Jon Jones, I trained twice a day, every day, until I was sweaty and absolutely exhausted. He never broke a sweat once,” she concluded.

PUBLICITY:

J. Jones (right) hits C. Sonnen (left) in the main fight of UFC 159. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

During the confrontation, Jon Jones He broke his toe during the first round. For 27 seconds, Sonnen did not become light heavyweight champion, as the fight would be interrupted after the medical team noticed the champion's injury.

PUBLICITY:

Read More about: , , , , ,


UFC St. Louis results UFC 301 results UFC Las Vegas 91 results UFC 300 results UFC Las Vegas 90 results