(Video) UFC Legend Chael Sonnen Gets Put to Sleep By Craig Jones in Weirdest Submission

UFC Hall of Famer and MMA analyst Chael Sonnen gets choked out twice at CJI 2 by BJJ expert and submission specialist Craig Jones.

(Video) UFC Legend Chael Sonnen Gets Put to Sleep By Craig Jones in Weirdest Submission

Chael Sonnen was left unconscious after being choked by Craig Jones (via X)

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Chael Sonnen has been retired from professional fighting for six years, other than an exhibition boxing bout. He has stayed active on social media platforms as a combat sports analyst and a content creator, constantly engaging with fans. However, that alone was not enough as the former light heavyweight title contender tried his luck competing in BJJ tournaments.

Recently, Sonnen received an offer to be a late replacement for Gable Steveson at Craig Jones Invitational 2. The UFC veteran not only flew into Las Vegas, but he also appeared confident about beating Jones, a massive BJJ expert. The match was scheduled for three five-minute rounds, and Sonnen ended up getting choked twice with the same submission move.

It was the infamous buggy choke, often used by Jones, which rendered Sonnen completely unconscious during their heated showdown. After regaining his senses, both athletes mutually agreed to restart, with Sonnen securing another takedown and attempting a hopeful leg lock.

The CJI founder swiftly countered with another buggy choke, once again sending Sonnen into unconsciousness, ending the surprising grappling contest. Sonnen built a successful UFC career, earning multiple title shots and competing in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.

Known predominantly as a strong wrestler and grappler, he relied heavily on relentless takedowns and punishing ground-and-pound strategies. He fought huge names like Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, and other champions, proving himself among the toughest competitors of his generation.

Sonnen became widely recognized as one of the best trash-talkers in UFC history, consistently unsettling opponents mentally before fights. Some of his sharp, iconic comebacks went viral over the years, spreading across social media and cementing his reputation among fans. The self-proclaimed American Gangster helped pave the way for stars like Conor McGregor, who used trash talking to boost popularity.

MMA’s ‘Bad Guy’ maintained the same sentiment when explaining what happened at CJI, when he went unconscious, grappling with Craig Jones. According to the veteran, he was merely settling into a relaxed position, attempting to create space and escape the choke. “That’s all it was. I don’t blame anyone, and I’m not upset. Misinterpretations happen,” Sonnen mentioned publicly via X.

Fight fans react to Chael Sonnen getting choked by Craig Jones 

Craig Jones and Chael Sonnen previously grappled during the 2017 ADCC Championship tournament, where Jones ultimately won the competitive grappling contest. Over the years, Jones gained significant popularity, impressing fans worldwide with flashy submissions, entertaining interviews, and high-level jiu-jitsu performances.

Chael Sonnen grappling Craig Jones
Chael Sonnen grappling Craig Jones (via X) 

The Aussie grappler has trained alongside several elite UFC fighters, notably featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Jones also developed a playful yet ongoing rivalry with Team Khabib, often jokingly criticizing Dagestani wrestling and engaging fans online.

Currently, he is working closely with Della Maddelena, preparing specific strategies for the upcoming UFC 322 superfight in Madison Square Garden. Nevertheless, here are some reactions from his latest buggy choke against Chael Sonnen at CJI 2.

As expected, many fans made jokes about Sonnen getting choked by Craig Jones in a humorous way. Continuing with the popular running joke that Sonnen was undefeated and undisputed, many made various hilarious remarks. Some commented that the stoppage was early, and the referee should have given more time to the ‘Bad Guy.’

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