Chael Sonnen: From CONTROVERSY to GLORY

Dive deep into the captivating career of Chael Sonnen, the 'American Gangster' of MMA. From his most controversial moments to his legendary battles inside the Octagon, experience the highs, lows, and everything in between. Sonnen's journey is more than just fights; it's a tale of resilience, charisma, and undeniable passion for the sport.

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[jakemitchell]

Absolutely top tier work by this channel. To have access to this kind of story telling free of charge is just mind boggling. I truly hope Clenched Teeth goes on to big time success. It's certainly deserved!

I'm not a Chael fan. I certainly respect so much of what he did in the UFC, and of course you have to respect anyone who works so hard for something so incredibly difficult. However, there is more in Chael's past that makes me question who he really is as a human being. HOWEVER, it's all pretty much washed away when I hear him talk about his father. While not on nearly the same scale, I, too, made promises to my dad about achieving things in my athletic career. And I, too, fell short. He passed away two years ago this December, and while I've tried to make peace with everything, there's still a gnawing regret I can't seem to get rid of. I hope Chael can find peace. He has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of in that regard. He gave it his all. Had he not fallen into that triangle in the last round of his first fight with Silva...wow...who knows?

[kylehart]

He made a career out of talking his way into big fights, yet the most powerful line he ever spoke was on the day he retired from the sport. "I'd just tell him I tried" makes me tear up every time.

[markfrank]

"I'd just tell him I tried" - Cheal Sonnen. A legend.

[tx]

The fact he never dropped profanity in his verbal takedowns was just another demonstration of his absolute dominance as a personality in MMA.

[DavidKnwledge]

That humble side of Chael made him far more human to me. He can play the bad guy but deep down he is a good man.

[zhdrums]

One of the greatest.
You don't need a belt, Chael.
You're the Peoples Champ.

[TheElbowMerchant]

When Chael was asked about his promise to his deceased father, to whom he had swore he would win a world championship, his response was so devastating: "I'd just tell him I tried." That shit breaks my heart, every time. I have no doubt that Chael's dad was incredibly proud of his accomplishments as a fighter, and as a man in general. Sadly, Chael would have kept his promise YEARS before that interview, if only Paulo Filho had made weight for his final fight in the WEC. Because Filho missed weight, the bout was changed to a non-title fight, which Sonnen won, handily. Regardless, Chael is one of the most famous and revered figures in MMA history, so he has accomplished more than many champions have, especially in terms of popularizing the sport.

[beanofsteel]

"When you’re the best fighter in the world today, they don’t call you a great fighter. They call you Chael Sonnen. Beat me if you can."

[Kancerru]

Man, that clip about Chael's promise to his dad is always heartbreaking to watch.

[FatherFirst]

Chael will always be loved. The gangster from the mean streets of West Linn OR. Rumor has it he retired undefeated and never even lost a round. Incredible!!!! He is an absolute

[Soknik]

I've always hated trash talkers and I tried my best to dislike Chael but I can't help but love the guy. Every time you see him he's doing everything he can to make the sport he loves as entertaining as possible. This man genuinely wants world to love MMA as much as he does.

[toma]

You havent been to the mean streets of West Linn Oregon folks, this guy came out of the mud

[andredornelles]

As a Brazilian I must say, this guy is a legend and brought so much passion and made it worth for fans. Thanks Chael, you are one of one and you are a hall of fame fighter in my books

[lonelyhunter]

Talking about west linn like it was west philly with a straight face is god tier comedy. Love him

[gdarippa]

This dude never lost a round which is crazy when you look at all the guys he beat. Fedor, Jones, Anderson, Bisping, Wanderlei, Shogun, Rampage, Rashad, Machida, Stann, Marquardt, Maia, Okami, Oleinik etc

[ooolol]

There is only one guy who got defeated yet remains undefeated to this day.

[and_metatheory]

I actually really respect what Chael said about his loss to Anderson Sylva. A lot of people don't lose well, make excuses, be indifferent, anything but take responsibility and say how they truly feel about it, and that's what Chael did. When things go wrong, I try and remember that as an opportunity to show grace

[JCLamas]

Chael is the world champion in my eyes I don’t care what anyone says. He’s undefeated undisputed

[WheelchairTrvl]

The man! Even in defeat, he still cuts a promo for how good his opponent was! I will always be a fan

[jamesdjl]

There have been alot of great fighters over the years. There have been alot of entertaining characters. Sonnen is one of the few throughout history who was a combination of both. He provided us fans with many years of entertainment. Also, I've enjoyed his transition into commentary and YouTube. Great video, thanks for this walk down memory lane.