Chael Sonnen is back for his third stint as a coach on `The Ultimate Fighter`. However, this season presents a unique dynamic as he faces off against his friend and co-host, Daniel Cormier, a change from past rivalries with figures like Jon Jones and Wanderlei Silva.
The premiere episode offered viewers a look into the season`s tone, featuring Sonnen`s team, which includes coach Colby Covington. The team quickly secured a win with Joseph Morales achieving an upset victory over team Cormier’s Eduardo Henrique, setting a strong start.
Yet, it was the pre-fight behavior of his friend and coaching rival that particularly caught Sonnen`s attention in the first episode.
Chael Sonnen was surprised by Daniel Cormier`s competitive intensity on `The Ultimate Fighter`
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Chael Sonnen discussed his experience coaching against Daniel Cormier on `The Ultimate Fighter`. He revealed that he saw a different side of Cormier than he expected.
“Yes, and I must tell you, I respected it. I just wasn’t ready for it,” Sonnen stated. “I didn’t know that it existed when we got to those events, whether it was the way some of the stuff that they showed on camera, some of the stuff that didn’t make it past the edit, I was not ready for Daniel to behave like that.”
The two former competitors regularly share the screen on ESPN’s ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ show, known for their lighthearted banter. However, the competitive environment of ‘TUF’ appears to have brought out a different intensity.
This was evident in the debut episode when Cormier and his team used chants like “uh vai morrer” (meaning “you’re going to die”) to support their Brazilian fighter. Following an intense weigh-in, Sonnen commended Joseph Morales for remaining unaffected by these pre-fight tactics before securing his submission win.
Sonnen further commented that while he respects Cormier`s approach, he wished he had anticipated it so he could have countered. He noted that Cormier is generally seen as “one of the boys,” still actively involved in the sport and training, suggesting he expected a more sportsmanlike demeanor in the coaching role.
“Then he got put in a coaching role, which is a more responsible realm. So whatever a sportsman I thought Daniel was, I thought he’d be more of a sportsman in this situation and that part did throw me off. I was not ready for him. I enjoyed it. I wish I would have known so that I could have fired back but if I’m being, it caught me off guard,” Sonnen explained.
What to expect from The Ultimate Fighter season 33 moving forward?
The season continues with the second episode airing on June 3rd. This episode is set to feature a welterweight bout between team Cormier’s #2 pick, Danil Donchenko, and team Sonnen’s #3 pick, Richard Martins.
Brazil’s Martins brings an impressive professional record, including 4 consecutive wins in LFA and 8 finishes out of his 9 career victories. Ukraine’s Donchenko, at just 23 years old, holds a professional record of 11-2. Both fighters are known for their stand-up skills.
Based on previews, it seems likely that tensions between the two teams and the competing fighters will continue to escalate throughout the season.
Additionally, fans can look forward to guest appearances from notable ‘TUF’ alumni, with former champions like Robert Whittaker and Rashad Evans expected to stop by and offer insights and advice.
