“Wasn’t Going to License Me” – UFC Legend Chael Sonnen Reiterates an Incident When His Trash-Talking Landed Him in Trouble

Chael Sonnen was arguably the biggest trash talker in the history of the UFC. His portrayal of a villain saw him get into very high-profile matches during his time in Dana White’s promotion. However, it didn’t always work out in the favor of ‘The American Gangster’. Sonnen recently spoke about the time when he was almost denied the license to become a fighter.

Sonnen is regarded as one of the biggest MMA stars to have never won a championship in the major MMA promotions of the world. But the fans were smitten by his way of words and the character he portrayed during his time as a professional fighter.

A commissioner almost denied Chael Sonnen the license to fight Wanderlei Silva

Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva had one of the most heated rivalries in the history of the UFC. They fought each other three times. But on one occasion, the fight was pulled off the main card due to Sonnen cutting a ‘heel’ promo that led to a commissioner questioning his credibility as a fighter. He recently made an appearance on British YouTuber, True Geordie‘s podcast, and explained what transpired.

Sonnen said, “I have been on the main card. I draw this guy [Wanderlei Silva] and now I’m pulled off.” He added, “It was one of those heel promos… I heard that one commissioner wasn’t going to license me and he even said that I was a bad example for kids.”

The American gangster claims to have never used profanity

There have been several face-offs and public confrontations between MMA fighters, which gives rise to the use of swear and curse words. But Chael Sonnen claims that he never used profanity while addressing an opponent in his entire MMA career. He said, “I never used profanity. I still, to this day.”

Sonnen also mentioned that ‘Sports Illustrated’ acknowledged his trash-talking skills and named him as the best. He said, “Sports Illustrated named me the greatest S-H-*-T talker of the sport, but I never actually said the words. Spelling it for you right now is cool.”

READ MORE: Justin Gaethje Provides the Timeline for His “Ideal” Rematch With Former Rival Dustin Poirier

Chael Sonnen’s portrayal of a heel character and his style of trash-talking made him one of the most fan UFC fighters among fans. However, he has faced a lot of trouble due to his antics. But he still remains one of the most popular MMA fighters in the history of the sport.

WATCH THIS STORY: Five Moments Where Chael Sonnen Annihilated His Rivals With His Trash-Talk