Chael Sonnen has become one of the most interesting commentators in MMA. If there’s a major headline cooking up, the three-time UFC title challenger and current Bellator star will have something thought-provoking to say about it.
The latest issue that Chael Sonnen sounded off on revolves around the derailed career of the once dominant Ronda Rousey, who was first levelled by a Holly Holm head kick in 2015, and more recently, mauled by reigning bantamweight queen Amanda Nunes in her long-awaited Octagon return.
In the wake of Rousey’s losses to Holm and Nunes, the fight community has been incredibly critical of her striking ability – particularly her boxing. This has led to plenty of suggestions that she should abandon her long-time coach Edmond Tarverdyan, and go sharpen her skills in the company of top boxers. Even retired boxing great Floyd Mayweather has chimed in to this end, suggesting he’d train Rousey, if she was interested.
During a recent chat with TMZ, Sonnen weighed in on this possibility. Apparently, “The Bad Guy” is all for it, but not because he thinks it would be especially beneficial for Rousey. Instead, he just thinks it would be a cool opportunity for the two fighters. His words:
“Hey, if you can get some rounds in with Floyd, go do it. But don’t forget, Floyd’s a great boxer, he’s not a trainer, he’s never trained anybody.”
“If Ronda’s got some time to go work with him, I think she should take him up on it, because that is still Floyd and I’d think it’d be a cool experience, but I’m talking about an hour and then call it good.”
“I would have to think that he could [share some knowledge], in fairness,” Sonnen said. “But, I think we could all agree what makes people great players does not make them great coaches. It usually doesn’t transfer. I’m just talking about for a cameo, for some PR stuff, for something for us to talk about over here at TMZ, let’s do it.”
Do you agree with Chael Sonnen? Do you think Rousey would benefit from training with Mayweather? Sound off, PENN Nation!
This story first appeared on BJPenn.com on [1/18/2017].