UFC middleweight lightning rod Chael Sonnen told MMA Fighting at UFC 132 that he's looking for a "tune-up" fight on his way back to the 185-pound division and that he'd like to "take out Machida," referring to former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida.
From a matchmaking perspective, it's not as silly as it first sounds.
Fight fans were clamoring for an eventual grudge match between Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva, unfortunately Chris Leben may have retired "The Axe Murderer" back on July 2. Two other top middleweights, Micheal Bisping and Jason "Mayhem" Miller, are both on location filming the "The Ultimate Fighter."
He doesn't want to fight Leben while Vitor Belfort and Anderson Silva are both booked.
But it just so happens that Machida is sitting at home with nothing to do and even tells Tatame.com that if Sonnen really wants to move up a weight class and test his might at 205-pounds, he'll sign the contract "immediately."
"I think that's great, I'm excited to do that. He's coming back now, wants to fight, and I really think it's a good fight for me. If Sonnen really wants this fight, I'll sign it immediately, no problem at all."Sonnen recently satisfied his suspension with the California State Athletic Commission, becoming eligible to re-apply for his fight license on June 29, 2011. While the likelihood of him gaining instant access to California Or Nevada is slim, there are plenty of others states (cough, Texas) that would probably rubber stamp his return.
by Jesse Holland
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