UFC on FOX 2 Fight Card: What Chael Sonnen Needs to Do to Win

Chael Sonnen's spot on the main card was up in the air after an injury forced Mark Munoz off the event.

But a late replacement in Michael Bisping has setup a more intriguing bout between two of the sport's best trash-talkers and has kept Sonnen in line for a potential title shot.

In Bisping, Sonnen faces an opponent with excellent takedown defense and very good cardio, which should help him hold his own against Sonnen's superior wrestling skills.

The Team Quest member should look to close the distance early on in the bout and impose his will to wear down Bisping's cardio. Sonnen is relentless in his approach to work for a takedown and his transitions from striking to wrestling are very well timed.

Bisping is underrated on the ground and is always active trying to improve his position and work his way back to his feet, but Sonnen's control and wrestling ability allow him to overwhelm his opponents while he is in their guard. More so, Sonnen is nearly impossible to defend against while in top position and he is constantly out-working his opponent, smothering and damaging them with efficient ground-and-pound.

Sonnen will look to mix it up with Bisping on the feet as well while looking to find his range and put the Englishman to the canvas.

If Bisping had more time to prepare he would have a much easier time at setting up an effective gameplan and try to neutralize Sonnen's wrestling, but this is Sonnen's bout to win and he will likely dictate the pace immediately.

Sonnen should have no problem utilizing his wrestling pedigree against Bisping and look to effectively shut down his striking. If successful, he will earn a dominant win and be fast-tracked to a rematch with Anderson Silva.