Chael Sonnen is one of the iconic figures in the UFC. He recently did an interview about potentially becoming a promoter in the UFC. There was a time when fans believed Sonnen could replace before the emergence of UFC CBO Hunter Campbell. However, ‘The American Gangster’ had great praise to sing about UFC CEO Dana White when asked about potentially replacing him.
Chael Sonnen recently talked to MMA Fighting, and he had some nice things to say about Dana White. The reporter asked Sonnen if he had ever considered becoming a promoter after Dana White stepped down from the UFC. Sonnen said he considered it a tremendous compliment even to be compared to him simply because of White’s hard work.
I don’t ever want to see him go, I will tell you that. This is my No. 1 sport that I’m a fan of and they got the right guy at the helm.
Chael Sonnen via MMA Fighting
‘The American Gangster’ said that if Dana White stepped down, MMA would be in trouble. He said it would take five people to do what the UFC CEO did. Sonnen complimented the UFC CEO’s drive, personality, effort, and enthusiasm for doing things. The recent UFC documentary highlights White’s enthusiasm and hard work. It is exactly as Sonnen described.
Chael Sonnen says the sport of MMA “is going to be in a lot of trouble” if Dana White ever steps down.
“I don’t ever want to see him go, I will tell you that. This is my No. 1 sport that I’m a fan of and they got the right guy at the helm.”
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— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 14, 2024
Dana White took over the UFC as President in 2001 when it was a promotion that could barely sell fights. In 2024, it was valued at over $16 billion, making it the most valuable combat sports promotion. While all this is valid, Chael Sonnen has not run out of things he could point out that the UFC could have done differently over the years.
Chael Sonnen says Dana White could have kept Khabib Nurmagomedov from retiring
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from fighting after his father succumbed to Covid 19. His final fight in the UFC was against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. The Dagestani went out undefeated and as the reigning lightweight champion. Efforts were made to bring him back, but Khabib kept rejecting multi-million paydays.
Chael Sonnen talks about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement (Image via Imago)In the interview with MMA Fighting, Chael Sonnen talked about Khabib Nurmagomedov and his retirement. The UFC legend pointed out the reason for the Dagestani’s retirement. Moreover, Sonnen believes the UFC could have done things differently to keep Khabib out of retirement.
The number one reason MMA fighters retire, not even a close second, is they don’t want to make weight anymore. That’s the number one reason they retire… When they went to Khabib to keep Khabib… they refused to accept it back and tried to keep him.
Chael Sonnen via MMA Fighting
According to Sonnen’s account, the UFC tried to change the numbers in Nurmagomedov’s contract. They tried to change his pay, his participation, and his sponsorship. However, Sonnen said the UFC focused on the wrong numbers. If they would have made it 170 pounds, he believes Khabib would have done one more fight. However, Sonnen said promoters did not understand that. Ultimately, they couldn’t convince the Dagestani legend to return.
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