UFC 136 Results: Why Chael Sonnen the UFC's Version of Ric Flair

Prepare to see videos of Chael Sonnen’s UFC 136 post-fight interview with Joe Rogan popping up all over the web as it was one of the most memorable moments in recent MMA history. After Sonnen dominated Brian Stann, he spoke to the fans in attendance, calling out Anderson and challenging him to what essentially amounts to a “loser leaves town” match from pro wrestling.

Sonnen has done his fair share of trash talking before, but he was reminiscent of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair on this particular night.

Pro wrestling and MMA are completely different, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be similarities between the personalities in each. And here are a few reasons why Chael Sonnen is the UFC’s version of Ric Flair.

Relishes in the Opportunity of Playing the Bad Guy

For the better part of the past 40 years, Ric Flair has made his career as being the biggest “bad guy” (heel) in pro wrestling. Most of the big-name wrestlers in history have been big-time fan favorites, but Ric Flair has broken the mold.

Sure, there have been times when he has been on the other side of the fan’s cheering, but Flair has been making fans hate him for years... And now it’s Chael’s Sonnen’s turn in MMA.

In a sport where just about everyone is trying to get the fans to cheer for them, Chael Sonnen is a fresh of breath air as someone who just doesn’t seem to give a damn. There really haven’t been many fighters that have taken this stance, but the success Sonnen has had may change that.

Uses His Bad-Boy Persona to Get What He Wants

In addition to talking trash to make fans angry, Sonnen has done a brilliant job of using his mouth to get exactly what he wants. Last night he called out UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and despite having only fought once in the past 14-months, it sounds as if he’s going to get another shot at Silva in the coming months.

Certainly his fighting has given him the majority of what he wants, but it always helps to make the champion specifically want to beat you down.

Hilarious Microphone Skills

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“All the women want to be with me and all the men want to be like me.”
- Ric Flair

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Like any great heel, Chael Sonnen has made some absolutely hilarious statements both inside and outside the Octagon.

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“Who says I was submitted? Did you see that happen? Who are you gonna believe? ME or your lyin’ eyes?”
- Chael Sonnen

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Makes Us Believe That He Won Even When He Lost

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“To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man!”
- Ric Flair

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Though he hasn’t come out and said those exact words, Chael Sonnen has repeatedly made comments saying that he is the true UFC middleweight champion, and not Anderson Silva. 

He got choked out in the fight, but hey, Chael has never been one to let the facts get in the way of a good story.

He’s Ready for a Long Title Run

Whether you love him or hate him, the truth is that Chael Sonnen could very well be the man to beat Anderson Silva. He beat the snot out of Silva for four 20-plus minutes in their fight, then he completely manhandled one of the division’s top fighters in Brian Stann.

He has lost fights in the middleweight division, but Chael Sonnen just looks like he’s on another level right now. Can anyone beat him?

As a 16-time world heavyweight champion, maybe Ric Flair can teach Chael Sonnen a thing or two about being a champion.