Bellator and The Bad Guy – Endless opportunities

While most of America watched the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills play football, a story began to grow on twitter.  Soon it was confirmed, Chael P. Sonnen, The West Linn Gangster had signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator. Imagine the possibilities.  Seriously, right now…with me.

It’s nice to see Chael Sonnen out of USADA jail and free to do his thing again. Whether you love him, or simply love to hate him, it’s impossible to ignore what he brings to the table. He’s a breath of maybe not so fresh air, but needed air all the same.  Here’s a quick look at the match-ups we could be treated to, and yes, I’m a bit giddy.

Chael Sonnen vs. Tito Ortiz

This is the one I want to see. These guys can both sell fights, and Bellator would benefit from pairing these two up and watching the ratings pour in.  The match-up itself, lends itself to two quality wrestlers on the mat, and it is a compelling fight for both parties. I’m all in on this one.

Chael Sonnen vs. Stephan Bonnar

Hey let’s be honest, both of these guys have been flagged for prior steroid offenses, and that alone would make the trash talk entertaining.  Bonnar signed with Bellator and has basically collecting dust since his fight with Ortiz.  This could be a solid farewell fight for Bonnar, and the fans would certainly take interest and both guys can talk and sell a fight.

Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva

C’mon if you don’t want to see these two go at it, maybe MMA isn’t your thing.  The two have feuded, had an epic scuffle while coaching TUF and genuinely dislike each other.  Fans would love this fight, and to be honest, it would be near the top of my guilty pleasure lists.  Make it happen Coker…make the dreams come true.

Chael Sonnen vs. Fedor

Fedor doesn’t need a last name, he’s like Madonna, or Cher or….Pink, only he’s a man who doesn’t sing.  Ok, this one, I’m not so interested in.  After watching Fedor battle with Fabio Maldonado, I’m ok not seeing the Russian compete again.  He’s a legend, the goat, and this fight simply doesn’t need to happen.  That being said, it could be a big money fight in Japan and why not line the Bad Guys’ pockets right?

Chael Sonnen vs. Rampage Jackson

The press for this fight would be amazing. These two can work a crowd like few others, and the buildup would be that of legend.  Imagine if Anderson Silva had been able to match Sonnen’s ire and lip in their feud, it would have been amazing.  Rampage can, and Rampage will. Book it Coker!  Please!

Chael Sonnen vs. Bobby Lashley

I don’t know, I just think this would be fun.  Wrestling 101 and Sonnen would either expose what Lashley is lacking, or….would help build a star.  I want to see it.  I’d tune in.

What we don’t want/or need to see.  

I don’t want to see Chael in there with King Mo, Phil Davis or Liam McGeary.  King Mo and Chael would have a solid war of words, but I don’t think the fight makes much sense for Sonnen, and for King Mo, I think he has World Title aspirations at this point.

Phil Davis beating Chael at this point, doesn’t do much for his career. He’d be an obvious favorite of Sonnen, and really, I don’t want to see Sonnen go up the ladder, I want him to be in entertaining fights, so we can skip this one.

Liam McGeary chokes out Sonnen with relative ease.  Who needs that? Not me!  Not on my watch, move it along McGeary!

Ultimate Guilty Pleasure Fight – Chael Sonnen vs. Royce Gracie

Hey, calm down, Royce is still on the active Bellator roster.  It’s not me who won’t let him retire, it’s him who wants to stick around.  Who better to send Royce off into the sunset than the Bad Guy.  It makes perfect heel sense….the hated Sonnen ends the career of the MMA legend and pioneer Royce Gracie.  Not saying Chael needs to murder him, but it would be something I’d watch…and probably not admit to.  You want to get over as a bad guy, beat up Royce.  Worked for Matt Hughes, although now that I think about it, people have always hated Hughes.