Chael Sonnen: “I'm Not Letting Up or Satisfied in the Least”

Leading up to UFC 109, Chael Sonnen was viewed as nothing more than Nate Marquardt’s final obstacle before taking his rightful place as the future of the UFC middleweight division. The consensus belief among the MMA community was that Marquardt would be too much for Sonnen to handle.

Apparently, Sonnen never got the memo that stated he was a mere stepping stone.

From the moment the action began it was Sonnen who was in the driver’s seat, taking down and battering Marquardt at will. Sonnen utilized his superior wrestling ability and constant pressure perfectly en route to a unanimous decision victory and a guaranteed shot at the winner of the middleweight championship match-up between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort.

Bleacher Report had the opportunity to catch up with Sonnen and talk about his recent victory.

Robert Gardner: You took a couple of pretty good knees during the fight, and Marquardt was able to open up a nasty cut on your forehead; how are you feeling? 

Chael Sonnen: I've never been in more pain in my life. I was hit by a gravel truck seven years ago, and I feel worse right now.

Robert Gardner: So, are you planning on taking any time off or do you want to get back into the gym as soon as possible?

Chael Sonnen: I was in the gym yesterday, but I couldn't workout, just watch. I will be slow until I get the stitches out.

Robert Gardner: Towards the end of the third round Marquardt had you caught in a deep guillotine choke; did the thought of tapping out ever cross your mind?

Chael Sonnen: No, I wasn't going to tap, but I almost passed out.

Robert Gardner: How does it feel to know that you are next in line for a title shot? 

Chael Sonnen: No feeling at all, just bracing myself for the work I have ahead of me. I never had a goal to get a title shot, my quest is to get the title. I'm not letting up or satisfied in the least.

Robert Gardner: Monday, Anderson Silva’s manager Ed Soares was quoted as saying that you should have to fight Demian Maia before you are granted a title shot; do you think that the reason behind this request is because they view you as a major threat to Silva's title?

Chael Sonnen: Ed has no say and no power. He has no contract with the UFC and has never received a check from the UFC. He is not an athlete or an employee of the UFC.  He could not get Dana on the phone if he tried. I haven't the slightest idea why I'm being asked about a guy that isn't with the company.

Robert Gardner: It's pretty clear you genuinely don't like Anderson Silva, what is it about him that rubs you the wrong way?

Chael Sonnen: He is truly out of his mind. His vision of reality is so far distorted that he really doesn't understand what the truth is anymore. If he gets in my way, he is going to get run over.

Robert Gardner: Now, during the post-fight press conference you said that you felt Vitor Belfort, not Anderson Silva, would be the tougher match-up; what about Belfort’s game makes him the tougher match-up in your eyes?

Chael Sonnen: Vitor is just as nasty (as Silva) on his feet, and he is harder to takedown. I will fight either of them, and in truth I'm going to have to fight both of them. I just plan to fight Vitor first.

Please take time to support Chael and visit his site, www.votesonnen.com, as he pursues a seat in the Oregon State House of Representatives.