The Doggy Bag: Expect the Unexpected

Chael Sonnen is obviously winning the war of words against Anderson Silva, but does he have any chance against the champion at UFC 117?
-- Eric from NY

Greg Savage, reporter and radio host: You are quite right Eric, Sonnen is light years ahead of Silva in the trash-talking department, but when all is said and done he will have to back those words up in the Octagon. This is mixed martial arts and anything is possible, but I really do feel Silva is deserving of his lofty spot in the sport as well as his status as a heavy favorite heading into his Aug. 7 showdown with Sonnen.

If you listen to Jeff Sherwood, Sonnen has much more than a chance to knock off the top pound-for-pound fighter according to Sherdog.com’s rankings. Our founder believes Sonnen will be able to utilize his wrestling ability to neutralize Silva’s marked advantage on the feet.

I disagree.

I have watched fighters like Dan Henderson and Nate Marquardt try to work from the top on Silva and succumb to one ferocious shot that turned their respective fights around. If Sonnen is going to try to employ a grinding top game he will have to avoid one of those big shots over the course of 25-minutes, something no one has been able to even come close to accomplishing against the champion since he signed with the UFC in June 2006.

While I would never completely write anyone of Sonnen’s skill level off, this will be the toughest fight of his career, win or lose. I just hope he has a good showing because there will be a huge plate of crow he will have to choke down, not to mention the humble pie that will be waiting for dessert.