Chael Sonnen

By Michael Hatamoto

A potential fight matchup between former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans and perennial contender Chael Sonnen is expected for some time later this year.

I don’t care if this fight takes place at middleweight, ‘Franklin weight,’ or light heavyweight – though feel the 195-lb. range could be a fair weight for both fighters. Then again, Evans has never dropped below light heavyweight, and Sonnen is comfortable making that weight, so don’t be surprised if it’s a light heavyweight fight.

Here is what Sonnen had to say regarding the potential matchup:

“I think the Rashad fight was likely going to happen and Dana White was quite candid with you. He spoke to us both in Indianapolis a couple of days ago, we agreed to the match, but perhaps it was just a bit of dialogue and wasn’t officially offered.”

Both Sonnen and Evans are top-level fighters, but neither is close to earning a UFC light heavyweight title shot in the near future. Evans lost two of his last three, winning a split decision against Dan Henderson, losing a decision to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and lasting 25-minutes to drop a decision to champion Jon Jones.

Meanwhile, Sonnen is 0-3 in UFC championship fights, but is able to seemingly beat anyone who isn’t a champion – most recently submitting Mauricio “Shogun” Rua by guillotine choke at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen last month.

This type of fight makes a lot of sense, because both fighters are still very capable of putting on a good show – and with both Evans and Sonnen onboard, there is a major potential appeal to MMA fans. If Sonnen vs. Evans isn’t possible, MMA fans still would like to see Sonnen fight either Vitor Belfort or Wanderlei Silva.