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Do you like the Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva matchup (if it comes together)? Who do you think wins that fight?
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST
I don't have an interest in any fight that Chael Sonnen may, or may not have in the future, whomever the opponent. His whole persona is scripted from top to bottom and his over exposure has lead to me disliking him more than ever. I also hate the fact he has manipulated TRT to earn three title shots in two different weight classes. If they do fight, here's hoping my prediction that Silva KO's him early actually comes true.
C.J. TUTTLE, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I do. Know why? For once this Chael Sonnen match-up actually makes some sort of sense. Wanderlei has shown a resurgence of sorts lately and Chael has descended from the top of the division. A win for either would put an end to a nasty real life feud and a definitive stamp on two storied careers. On the other hand a loss for one of the two may end those same careers. I do not see the same Chael any longer, I think all the time spent in a suit in studio has made Chael delusional and the man tries to position himself to make money at this point in his career so he can buy WWE or something like that. Wanderlei will come into this match ready to throw, and I think Sonnen continues his streak of being pummeled.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I like it provided it's on a free card. There's no way this fight belongs on a PPV. I think they should put this fight on a Fox card as the second of the four fights. This isn't a headlining fight and there's nothing at stake here. As for who wins, I'm trying to be logical here and say that Sonnen wins by decision. My gut says that Wanderlei pulls it off again, but my head says that Sonnen controls Silva and gets the win. I do have some interest in this fight, but only if I don't have to pay for it.
TONY BECERRA, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I don't know why Chael Sonnen is still relevant in the UFC after his last few fights. Love him or hate him he has done well to stay in the spotlight. I'll be excited to see this fight if it comes to fruition and even though this isn't Wanderlai in his prime, I still like him over Chael.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I love Wanderlei Silva. I hate Chael Sonnen. That being said, I don't think Wanderlei has a counter for Chael's wrestling game, so he will likely get put on his back and beat up for 15 minutes. If Silva doesn't get a submission win it's basically an academic win for Sonnen.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think that both of these fighters are at the end of their careers. This would be a fitting end to both of their runs in MMA. Silva is one of the greatest fighters to ever fight and Sonnen is one of the best talkers to ever strap on gloves. Stylistically this is a great fight that I think favors Sonnen. If he can close the distance and use his wrestling he will win this one by decision.
CAMERON LYMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I am not a Chael Sonnen fan as a fighter or MMA personality. I would love to see him try to stand with Wandy but I think we all know that's not how this is going to play out. As Sonnen has insulted The Axe Murderer, there is a marketable background story. This really is the only fight that makes sense for Sonnen at this point. Who wins? Watch Sonnen vs. Stann for that answer.
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Chael's on the seniors tour, where he belongs. Finally. Any fight he takes form here on out is officially irrelevant, meaning nothing to anyone or anything other than his own checkbook. Just think; the wealthier he gets, the less likely he is to launder any more money. But where was I? Oh yeah, Stale vs. Wanderlei. Do I like the matchup? Sure, I guess. It's meaningless entertainment, with a slight chance of Stale being knocked unconscious. Stale should be able to take Silva down 5 times en route to a lackluster decision victory. By definition, if this is the main event of the first FS1 card, it cannot mathematically be the best tv card ever put together.
[Chael Sonnen art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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