While it could be argued that the Nevada Athletic Commission put their own chokehold on Chael Sonnen to try and prevent him from competing on Saturday, the match proved that they didn’t need to.
Sonnen was nearly forced out of the competition just days ago when, on suspension for failed tests related to performance enhancing drug use, the NAC threatened to fine the retired fighter for what they viewed as a breach of the stipulations of his punishment. Instead Sonnen decided to honor his agreement and compete in the main event.
The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight was submitted by Andre Galvao with a rear naked choke. After Sonnen defended against Galvao’s guard attacks, the winner was able to finally pounce on Sonnen’s back. Sonnen had no answer for Galvao’s submission.
“They tested me, they cleared me, they hired me, they fired me, they drug me through the mud, and I’m still the toughest SOB on 2 feet,” Sonnen said after the match.
In other action, which took place at Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and streamed as an online pay-per-view, UFC heavyweight and former champ Josh Barnett defeated Dean Lister by submission with a scarf choke and former UFC light heavyweight Vinny Magalhaes fought to a draw with Keenan Cornelius.
