Sonnen announces fight against Barnett, but heavyweight denies

Sonnen vs Barnett at Metamoris: loudmouth says yes, heavyweight denies it. Photo: Reproduction

Since being suspended from MMA by the Nevada Athletic Commission and announcing his retirement, Chael Sonnen has dedicated himself basically to two activities: his work in the media and the struggles of grapple at the Metamoris event. And it was precisely during one of his media appearances that the loudmouth announced his next fight. submission, against former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett.

See too

Sonnen questions Fedor's fights in PRIDE: 'That doesn't count'

Diaz receives five-year suspension for doping in fight against Anderson

Angry after suspension, Nick Diaz says: 'All fighters use steroids'

Diaz is irritated by suspension: 'They are criminals'

“I have a fight coming up, at the end of October or even on November 1st, I have to see. And my opponent’s name is Josh Barnett”, said Sonnen during an interview with “Submission Radio” in Australia, taking the opportunity to launch his first provocation. “I'll even give you a gentleman's prediction: Sonnen wins! I'm going to drop his fat ass, and he won't get up again. And let him know I said so,” he snapped.

And it didn't take long for Barnett to find out. However, the heavyweight's reaction was not exactly to Sonnen's provocation, but to the announcement of the fight, the contract for which he claims he never signed. “I couldn’t think of anything worse for myself than being left with the Chael Sonnen for 20 minutes (Metamoris fight time). There's no contract, nothing has been signed on my part and, man, 20 minutes with Chael? I would even be embarrassed if it lasted all that, it wouldn't even be a dispute. Maybe I'll hold him in a few keys and let him escape on purpose, just to let the fight go on and give him a free private lesson, which he'll still get paid for,” replied Josh, in an interview with Jon Anik and Kenny Florian.

If you won't fight Chael Sonnen, Josh Barnett has another contract signed and his duel takes place soon. On September 26th, the former heavyweight champion arrives in Japan and takes part in the main fight of UFC Fight Night 75 against the “chubby” Roy Nelson.

This isn't the first time Sonnen has been linked to speculation about a fight against Josh Barnett at Metamoris. In May this year, the former challenger for the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight belts released a montage on his official profile on Twitter challenger Barnett for what would be the “heavyweight world title” fight at the grapple.

Did you agree to this? @JoshLBarnett pic.twitter.com/WykL2tO9Pf

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) May 14, 2015