UFC encompasses fighters with all kinds of different martial arts backgrounds. What’s interesting is, still, with all this variety, we cannot pin-point as to what sport holds the most dominance in the UFC. There’s a reason it’s called ‘mixed martial arts’, of course. But it is still fascinating to think as to what ‘works’ the best here. Which is exactly what Chael Sonnen pondered upon in his latest video. However, along with discussing the dynamic of the sport, the UFC veteran also addressed what acclaimed BJJ practitioner and MMA fighter, Renzo Gracie said about Khabib Nurmagomedov. Which then brought up Islam Makhachev into the discussion over his ‘rude’ remarks against the Jiu-Jitsu black belts he made once, which Sonnen considers being a ‘problem’.
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The most dominant sport? BJJ insignificant against Khabib?
Chael Sonnen began his most recent video with a primer of martial arts as a whole and the UFC’s overall mission. “We started doing this in 1993 with a goal. The goal was to find out which martial art was the best martial art. And by 1996 we found out that they all suck.” He further added, “By 2000, 2001, we created a new sport called ‘mixed martial arts’.
He continued by saying that one lesson learnt from that endeavor was the recognition of the importance and significance of Jiu-Jistu. This led him to discuss Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and as he was talking about that, he eventually got to Renzo Gracie‘s ‘big statement’ on Khabib Nurmagomedov. Sonnen cited, “He(Renzo Gracie) said, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu cannot beat him(Khabib Nurmagomedov). Big, big statement.”
Given that Renzo Gracie himself is a prominent BJJ practitioner, this statement was indeed shocking. While on the subject, Chael Sonnen recounted the provocative comment that Khabib‘s protégé, Islam Makhachev, put out regarding Jiu-Jitsu black belts in the UFC.
Chael Sonnen believes Islam Makhachev went too far with his words
After discussing “The Eagle” and the intricate workings of the UFC, Chael Sonnen pointed the needle at Islam Makhachev for believing that the Jiu-Jitsu black belts should be ‘cancelled’ during his interview with Daniel Cormier.
The 45-year-old stated, “Now, take Islam’s recent statements, where he said a lot of guys need to be giving their black belts back.” In light of Makhachev‘s comment to Charles Oliveira, a black belt as well, Chael Sonnen thinks it was rather extreme of Makhachev to declare a disastrous consequence for him in their showdown.
“You walk up to a black belt and you tell him he’s not a black belt. Moreover, you speak to a black belt that way, when you’re not a black belt? Problem… That’s rude to start with. You always show respect. Particularly to the black belts.”, said the UFC veteran.
Nevertheless, Makhachev may not have made the finest verbal choices early on, he did back up his comments and defeated Oliveira.
Watch this story: “Sambo Guys Are…” – BJJ Star Gordon Ryan Shockingly Admits Khabib and Islam Makhachev’s Famous Statement on Jiu-Jitsu for MMA
Which sport do you think works the best in MMA? Let us know in the comments below.
