UFC
Demian Maia on Chael Sonnen - "You don't need more than two brain cells to see that he's joking"
Jan 25, 2012 - 11:50:36 PM Demian Maia on Chael Sonnen - "You don't need more than two brain cells to see that he's joking"

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Chael Sonnen's routine over the last couple of years has led him to make many comments directed towards Brazil and Brazilian fighters. He's faced a number of them throughout his career, but it's been the last year and a half that has brought the attacks on the country and its fighters more to the forefront.

However, not all Brazilian fighters take Sonnen's comments to heart; in fact, at least one former opponent thinks it's clear that Sonnen's comments are joking in nature and designed simply to get a reaction.

"We have talked a few times. I think he's very intelligent, he knows what to say," Maia told Brazilian outlet SporTV (transcribed by Tom Mendes at BloodyElbow.com). "I think he sometimes pushes the envelope, but he's good in attracting the media to himself. He's a very tough fighter, and deserves to fight for the title. I have nothing against him, and it's obvious that you don't need more than two brain cells to see that he's joking."

"I told him that he should become a comedian. There's a lot of passion in the sport, and there are people that don't like him. He has his style, he's more conservative, different than myself. But I think Sonnen is a very intelligent guy."

The two share a spot on Saturday's UFC on Fox 2 main card in Chicago, with Sonnen now meeting Maia's originally scheduled opponent Michael Bisping, while Maia himself meets late replacement Chris Weidman.

Penick's Analysis: Sonnen clearly doesn't believe everything that comes out of his mouth, and though he's succeeded in riling up a lot of different people - especially in Brazil - Maia's clearly not one of them. Of course, Maia is also one of the many fighters who have submitted Sonnen in the past, and he may have done so in the clearest and easiest fashion of any other fighter. Still, he sees past Sonnen's schtick, but can appreciate what it accomplishes.