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LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 23: Chael Sonnen interacts with fans and media during the UFC press conference at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 23: Chael Sonnen interacts with fans and media during the UFC press conference at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Former UFC middleweight and light-heavyweight title challenger, Chael Sonnen, had a go at the 170lbs division of the UFC. According to the ‘Bad Guy’, none of the top contenders of the welterweight division wants to fight and they are ‘fake tough guys’.
The UFC’s welterweight division is one of the most stacked and watched divisions of the promotion. However, Sonnen is frustrated with the current stalemate between the top contenders at 170, as none of them are seemingly willing to share the Octagon with one another. On the contrary, one might argue that the pool of talent is probably the deepest in the UFC.
In a recent episode of Victory Loves Company, Sonnen appeared with James Lynch and Jim West. He explained his frustration and appealed to the welterweights to follow the example set by the lightweights of the promotion.
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 20: MMA fighter Chael Sonnen discusses Bellator MMA at Build Studio on June 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images)
“I don’t know what’s going on at 170lbs. There’s never been a time where you have a more collective group of fake tough guys ever. I mean, these guys, none of the top-five guys want to fight one another. The only guy that’s willing to fight (Khamzat Chimaev) is hopefully getting better on a COVID bed right now. He’s the one that’s willing to put in the hard work but simply can’t do it,” said Sonnen.
“Meanwhile, you juxtapose that with 155, where that’s it’s iron-on-iron and they’re all ready to step in there. Gaethje, Chandler, Charlie Olives, McGregor, Poirier, and they’re willing to do it, man. If you’re not willing to do it, you’re out. You’re out of the club.”
Does Chael Sonnen have a point here?
UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, recently defended his belt against Gilbert Burns. But, there are other top contenders who are seemingly in question. Jorge Masvidal hasn’t fought since his UFC 251 loss to Usman. Leon Edwards hasn’t competed in almost 2 years.

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NEWARK, NJ – AUGUST 03: Colby Covington battles Robbie Lawler in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Prudential Center on August 3, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The former interim champion Colby Covington is looking to get back to title contention yet again. However, he can’t seem to get an opponent. So, UFC enthusiasts and observers may assume that the overall landscape of the division is messed up.
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What did you make of Chael Sonnen’s comments? Let us know.
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