Chael Sonnen criticizes Tim Kennedy's stance, who responds: 'Criminal on steroid'

Kennedy (left) and Sonnen (right) exchanged barbs. Photo: MMA Press Production (Disclosure/UFC)

Chael Sonnen and Tim Kennedy exchanged barbs this week after the retired fighter criticized his compatriot's stance due to his last fight, in September.

At UFC 178, Kennedy left the octagon angry in his fight against Yoel romero. The North American was close to a knockout at the end of the second round, but the Cuban resisted. During the break, Romero spent a few seconds beyond the allowed time sitting on his stool in the corner, and upon returning to the fight, he ended up knocking out Kennedy shortly afterwards.

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Kennedy was outraged by the events and criticized from all sides, including Romero, the Cuban's team and the fight's referee, John McCarthy. So, Sonnen asked his compatriot, a former US Army sergeant, to turn the page and stop complaining about the matter.

“Have you seen the things he’s been saying lately? He's threatening to never fight again because he's too upset about the stool issue. This guy is an American hero, he served the country very well. But if he didn't go, someone would have to tell him to shut up. Tim, you need to stop. You're being too bitter”, said Sonnen in the podcast he hosts, called “You're Welcome!”.

Kennedy didn't like Sonnen's statement at all and didn't mince words in his reply. “He's being an ignorant idiot who is clearly talking about something he has no idea about. I haven't said anything in the last five weeks. All I’ve been doing is hunting,” he replied, to the North American website “MMA Junkie”. “But I don’t think I should worry. This is coming from a criminal on steroids who is retired. Maybe he’s trying to promote a fight in Metamoris – if that’s the case, I’d be happy to strangle him.”

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