Is USA Wrestling effective? Chael Sonnen sadly admits ‘tough wrestlers’ isn’t enough to become UFC champions
Chael Sonnen, who comes from a background in American wrestling, reacts to the underperformance of U.S.-based wrestlers in the UFC.
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Chael Sonnen responds to critics surrounding American wrestling (Image via Imago/UFC/X)
In the current MMA landscape, many individuals are questioning the effectiveness of USA Wrestling. One of the main reasons for this is the recent underwhelming performances of American wrestlers in their MMA careers. In response to this issue, Chael Sonnen has shared his perspective on the role of American wrestling in the success of MMA fighters.
Tatiana Suarez, with a background in wrestling from the USA, recently fought for a UFC title against Zhang Weili. The co-main event of UFC 312 showcased Weili effectively countering Suarez’s wrestling skills. As a result, one popular UFC critic, The MMA Guru, expressed discouraging opinions about the fight. He voiced his lack of confidence in American wrestling, which caught the attention of Chael Sonnen.
I will tell you, it has been slow for me to learn this but the fact that a wrestler used to come and do it, we just don’t live in that game anymore. It is such a complete style now. It is not something where you can get through college and start picking up some boxing lessons on the side and you’re good enough for the octagon. That was true at one point but if Guru (MMA Guru) is just arguing these hard and gritty tough wrestlers isn’t enough, he wins this argument.
Chael Sonnen via Good Guy / Bad Guy on ESPN MMA
However, co-host Daniel Cormier strongly disagreed with Sonnen’s claim that wrestling has become ineffective in modern MMA. Cormier pointed out that many fighters in the UFC who have achieved great success owe their accomplishments to their wrestling backgrounds.
DC highlighted several elite champions, including the skillful Islam Makhachev, the resilient Belal Muhammad, and the legendary Jon Jones. However, MMA Guru was only referring to the American wrestlers and Makhachev does not qualify in that category. As such, wrestling is still important, but USA Wrestling have a lot to prove moving forward.
Not trusting USA Wrestling credentials anymore, I've been gaslit for year by the likes of Daniel Cormier & Chael Sonnen about these "MONSTERS" at wrestling #UFC312
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) February 9, 2025
They all get shucked off by the first athletic person with ZERO background that they run into
Zhang beats Suarez
Both Sonnen and Cormier were notably disheartened by the critic’s comments about American wrestling as they both come from the same background. Despite their disappointment, there are still many exciting fighters in the promotion. Although Tatiana Suarez fell short against Zhang Weili, Sonnen remains hopeful about other up-and-coming American wrestling-based UFC fighters who have the potential to shine.
Chael Sonnen calls for a clash between Dricus Du Plessis and All-American wrestler Bo Nickal
South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis is the current UFC middleweight champion. After his recent victory against Sean Strickland, DDP now has several potential opponents for his next fight. Some of the fighters he might consider clashing up against include Khamzat Chimaev and UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Chael Sonnen, unlike the top-ranked UFC fighters, has stated that he would like to see Du Plessis face an underdog in his next fight. In a recent conversation on the Good Guy / Bad Guy show, Sonnen specifically mentioned undefeated fighter Bo Nickal as an ideal match for Du Plessis. Additionally, the UFC Hall of Famer shared his reasons for suggesting this matchup.
I like the idea of DDP going after Bo Nickal now. Hear me out on that. Why Bo? Well, because he’s completely undefeated, he’s an up-and-comer, he’s the youngest guy, and he’s the most likely of that entire bunch to go on to be a future champion. He’s also three years of victories away from ever working his way into a number-one title shot.
Chael Sonnen via Good Guy / Bad Guy on ESPN MMA
Sonnen also pointed out that Du Plessis calling out Pereira is a strategically sound move. ‘Poatan’ is already scheduled to face Magomed Ankalaev. Meanwhile, Bo Nickal recently fought Paul Craig at UFC 309 and currently ranks #15 in the UFC middleweight division. According to UFC executives, Khamzat Chimaev is the clear next contender for Du Plessis’ title.
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