Rua vs. Sonnen

This is the official discussion thread for Rua vs. Sonnen. Let's see what you've got.

100% Agree with you amp

@amp I agree with you too, and I actually think the takedowns and takedown defense could be not the decisive factor in this fight. Shogun has a solid ground game, great transitions and submissions, and high level striking. His problem is gassing quickly, but even gassed he's able to drop bombs. I'm sure Sonnen would not be able to take the punches Hendo took in the Rua fight.

I expect a 3rd round Rua KO - maybe Chael will be able to take him down and control for a couple of rounds, but eventually Shogun will be able to connect and could even get ground top position... I don't think Chael will be able to keep up with him if any of these happen.

Anyway, this is still an intriguing matchup. What if Chael takes down and arms triangle Shogun like he did with Brian Stann? Unlikely, but possible. What if Rua locks in a leg? Also possible. There are many things that could happen here, that's why this is an intriguing matchup.

I guess we'll get to see how ready Chael is to be a big name at LHW. I'm really questioning this right now. We'll see.

Oh yeah, you're completely right, tycoon. I just made those comments after seeing the picks. Most people are choosing Sonnen to win by decision. In Chael's world, that means taking Shogun down and controlling him while delivering constant GNP, but not enough to knock Shogun out.

I don't think Chael will be able to do that. 1) I don't think he'll take Shogun down as easily as people think and 2) What you said, Shogun has a great ground game. Even if he doesn't submit Chael, it will be enough to prevent an attack by Chael.

We saw in the Jones fight that Shogun is wiley on the ground, even after he gets his face battered in. Since Chael is not on Jones' level of GNP, I don't see Chael doing that, especially since Shogun is the bigger fighter.

Yep. Shogun being bigger than Chael will definitely play a huge factor in this fight. Also, this is a 5 rounder. I believe Chael's chances lie in the first two rounds. If we get passed that, I'd favor Shogun any day. 

Chael is not Dan Henderson.

Actually Chael walks around 230/235 so it's not that bad of a size advantage.

Indeed.  I always thought Shogun was pretty small for 205, also.  I bet he could make 185 if he tried.

Yeah but then he'd probably get injured while in training camp and i don't know about his cardio but hey Shogun is Shogun so you never know. Also there's some good match-ups for him at middleweight like Shogun vs. Rockhold if he's at the top of his game.  or if he stays at light-heavyweight we could finally get to see shogun fight wanderlei

If Shogun loses this fight, I would really like him to try his hand at 185. He has a decent amount of midsection "excess". Not sure how much weight he cuts for 205, but if it's not that much, he should have a go at 185.

@amp it's a good point, but how many takedowns do you think Rua will be able to defend? with his cardio I don't see him having the stamina to defend Chael's takedowns effectively past the 2nd round.

You mention his size difference but Rua is not a large LHW and Sonnen by working with Dolce has bulked up in muscle to the point where I don't think the size difference is big enough to be a considerable factor.
As a reference to weight, I met both these guys a couple of weeks a go at the expo, stood with them and Sonnen felt much larger than Shogun.

Like I said, an experienced power wrestler like Sonnen shouldnt have many problems taking shogun down, especially in the later rounds, if it gets to that point, I'm hoping it doesnt. Of course, what he does with them and controlling is a whole different story but I won't be surprised if he is able to grind out a decision like he always does.

Rua gonna get da nahkouch

Shogun will gas halfway through the 2nd round and get submitted by an arm triangle

Shogun is going to hopefully retire Sonnen. 

Chael Sonnen... Boring? Really? He is a fighter that gets in your face as soon as the bell rings, is unafraid to strike with anyone and seeks to overpower people from the top position with strength and ground and pound alone, how is he boring? Does he MUST go for submissions all the time to be considered exciting?

Can't we all be friends? =/

Why the **** is this headlining such a stacked card.

Sonnen must be blowing that midget Joe Silva to be getting fights he doesn't deserve.