White: Sonnen is "a long way away" from UFC Light Heavyweight title shot
Posted on August 21, 2012, 12:59 PM by Anton Gurevich
Victory over Forrest Griffin won't get Chael Sonnen an immediate shot at the title. That's according to Dana White, who shared his vision of Sonnen's journey in the UFC Light Heavyweight division (via MMAJunkie.com):
"He's a long way away," White said. "He's not coming off the (Anderson) Silva fight and just talking his way into a 205-pound world title shot."
"[Sonnen] is going to have to beat a couple of the best of the world," White said. "If he beats Forrest Griffin, we'll shoot him right into the Top 5 and let him fight some of those guys there, and we'll see what happens."
This almost certainly puts a number one contender tag over UFC on FOX 5's encounter between Mauricio Rua and Alexander Gustafsson. Both fighters are currently on winning ways inside the Octagon, with sights on challenging the reigning champ. One intriguing option that could be available for Chael Sonnen is Glover Teixeira, who fights Quinton Jackson at UFC 153 in October.
Former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida will get his third shot at glory, after defeating Ryan Bader at UFC on FOX 4 in impressive fashion. Machida's KO over Bader impressed Dana White, while Shogun Rua found himself in a back-and-forth battle with Brandon Vera.
Comments
That's good news for Chael fans anyways, Bones will absolutely destroy him, i wouldn't want to see that. Nah I'm kidding i would buy tickets to see that.
@ Hate, you are turning into one funny dude. Are you okay?
No Chael is not a long way from a title shot he is 2 fights away, now Jon Fitch is a long way from a title shot
I'm with Michael, you didn't even use the word "hater" in your phrase.
If chael moved up and beat him like Anderson did, I might think he deserves the shot... nope probably not still, either way I still think Forrest is a decent test for him his 1rst fight up at 205. and if he wins I'd like to see him fight either Rashad, or possibly GloverTeixeira if he wins verse Rampage.
Hendo > Bones
Sonnen > Griffin
Hendo vs Machida as main event
Bones vs Sonnen for #1 contender's spot co-main event
… one can only wish ¬¬
What Dana means is he has to trash talk a hell of a lot more to jump ahead.
Eggzactly.
Chael still has a whole lot of work to do. Somebody give that man a mike.
Sonnen will face even longer limbs now to get triangled from...will be awesome to watch....War Shael!!!
Jones's leg length might actually work in reverse. His legs are so long that Chael could walk through there.
I see you missed your Jits class : )
I have to give you a funny on that one Bras
That's what you get Dana for letting the biggest ego in the UFC host UFC Tonight while Kenny Florian sits there with his mouth wide open listening to all the bullsh*t that Chael spewed for half an hour on major network television.
Total classless move on the UFC's part.
OMG I KNOW, DANA DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING
Wish they'd match up Chael with Lyoto while they wait on the Jones & Henderson fight.