Chael Sonnen, a three-time UFC title challenger, defended Sean Strickland‘s brawl with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 296, stating that the appropriate action was taken by security and that further repercussions from the sport or governing body are unnecessary.
Chael Sonnen isn’t one to back down from a fight. This was evident when he clashed with Wanderlei Silva during the filming of “The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3”.
Sonnen was technically on duty when this unscheduled fight occurred. Some MMA enthusiasts may argue that Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis were in a similar situation at UFC 296. Their proximity in the audience may have set the stage for their scuffle.
Dana White, UFC’s CEO, admitted his mistake in seating them so close. But, should Strickland face more consequences? Sonnen, a three-time UFC title contender, doesn’t think so.
“There were consequences. Strickland was ejected,” Sonnen stated on “The MMA Hour”. He questioned the extent of authority required to handle such situations. He finds it odd that the sport or governing body should be responsible.
UFC 296 had its share of cringe-inducing fighter antics. The Strickland-Du Plessis brawl, just a month before their official UFC 297 fight, was a hot topic among commentators discussing UFC’s personnel issues.
Sonnen believes there’s only so much UFC can do to prevent fighters from fighting each other. “The police could’ve arrested them if they wanted. Security intervened and chose to remove one from the premises, warning him against trespassing if he returned,” he said.
Sonnen emphasized that the situation was handled. But he’s not a fan of such incidents. “I’m not a prude, but that’s not fight promotion. It’s fighting, and it’s not sanctioned. It’s illegal,” he said.
Sonnen questioned why Strickland and Du Plessis were put in that situation. When he fought Silva, the Brazilian was a key part of the reality show. He believes there was no need for the champ and challenger to be so close. He pointed out that White and UFC usually take extreme measures to avoid such incidents.
While Sonnen enjoys a good verbal spar, he doesn’t approve of physical ones. “I’m not a prude, but I don’t like when punches are thrown. There should be honor in these back-and-forth interactions. I didn’t like that,” he said.