Chael Sonnen : Five Possible Fights, Options, and Outcomes

Chael Sonnen, following his dominating perfomance loss of Anderson Silva, has several options. He could make a move to 205, which he has spoke openly of doing. He could challenge a fight with some top 185 fighters or even campaign for a immediate rematch against the man he dominated Anderson Silva.

5. Chris Leben - Last Fight Sub 3rd over Akiyama

This fight was one that was thrown up immediately following the loss. The fight does not intrigue me all that much. Chris and Chael don't match up well to me. Obviously, Chris is going to struggle to keep it standing, and Chael is going to have his way with him. The only shot Chris has is to land a sharp punch on Chael's jaw. Other than that it is all Chael, and I can even see him finishing Chris late in this fight. If the fight does accumulate then if he dominates the way he should, a title fight should be next.

Chances of Happening : If the fans push for it enough, it could happen. But I don't see the UFC putting this fight together.

Outcome : Chael Sonnen TKO 3rd

4. Winner of Bisping/Akiyama

I see Chael dominating either one of these fighters with his intense takedowns and ground and pound. Bisping, nor Akiyama, is a huge threat off their back, and would stuggle with submitting Chael. Neither fight, in my opinion, would be much of a challenge for Chael. Once again, if he fights the winner of this fight, a title shot should be in order for the winner of that fight.

Chances of Happening : Once again, due to the recent losses from both Bisping and Akiyama the fight probably won't accumulate. If it did...

Outcome : Chael Sonnen wins both fights by UD.

3. Anderson Silva - Sub. win over Chael

An immediate rematch is well deserved, but due to Vitor's long waiting period the fight might not occur that soon. It is obvious to all that Chael dominated the middleweight kingpin for all five rounds, even knocking him down in the first. After all the hard work Silva through up a triangle and Chael was forced to submit. This fight could be just as interesting as the last one, due to Anderson's rib injury. We do not know if Silva was at his best against Chael Sonnen.

Chances of Happening : This fight should happen if Chael can win another fight and Anderson can survive Vitor. Although, I don't see this fight happening in early 2011 when Silva should return to the octagon.

Outcome : Chael Sonnen UD

2. Move up to Light - Heavy Weight

There are so many fighters in this devision that he has talked trash about. So, he could begin a warpath of continuing to prove what he has been saying all along, that he is "the best". If he comes up and beats the people he talked about he would easily acheive a title shot in this devision. The Middleweight devision is more of a sure thing for a title shot. One more victory and he should get another shot at Anderson. If he moves to Light-Heavy Weight that might also occur, but it is more possible for it to take more time.

He could rematch Forrest Griffin in this devision. Or he could fight "The Karate Kid", or the "Math Teacher from Cincinatti". Also, a very interesting fight is if he fights "The one that really don't matter" who happens to be one of the Noguerias that is close to Anderson Silva.

Chances of Happening : Maybe in a year or two, but I don't see it anytime soon.

Outcome : He does fairly well in the devision, but gets contested a little more often.

1. Wanderlei Silva

I thought of this fight, and immediately fell in love with it. The UFC has been pushing for Wanderlei to get back into the title picture, and a win over Chael would get him that. Chael needs another win to get him a title shot, and Wanderlei would make for an exciting fight. One of these fighters would get the big win they both so desperately need. The fight would be entertaining and fun. Wanderlei can fight off his back, or at least he can way better than Leben, Akiyama, or Bisping. Could make for a fun fight, with great hype.

Chances of Happening : I can see this fight happening in December maybe, depending on the suspensions handed out. But this fight could happen as the next fight for both of these top middleweights.

Outcome : Chael UD