In this quick interview, we caught up with UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen as he spoke briefly on Yushin Okami’s loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 134.
FH: What was the plan for Okami to employ against Anderson? I noticed he was getting some success landing his jab and backing Anderson into the cage?
CS: This is a sore subject for me. Yushin is a great fighter and was very well prepared, but the guy that showed up that night, wasn’t the Yushin Okami that I thought was going to show up.
FH: What type of advice do you think you would of given Yushin, now seeing the result of the fight during the two rounds both fighters fought?
CS: Again, open wounds for me. Not ready to discuss.
FH: Do you feel your absence affected Okami in anyway?
CS: No. He has never had me with him and he has climbed all the way up the ladder. He is self made and has a great team. I’m here to help and support him anyway I can.
FH: How did Yushin and yourself react when you were informed you could not be in his corner?
CS: It was a non issue. I bought my own ticket, not the UFC. I think I would have been in the way.
FH: What did you think of Silva’s performance? Was there anything that you were surprised about or impressed about that you noticed in the fight?
CS:…..I thought he looked great….
FH: Have you spoken to Yushin? If you have how is he doing and what have you guys talked about?
CS: No, not yet. I think he needs a little time to unwind and relax. He worked really hard and sacrificed a lot to get to the Main Event. I love him just as much, win or loose. Makes no difference to me.