While Chael Sonnen is currently in the midst of training for a late-summer showdown with Mauricio Rua, the former light heavyweight title challenger also has another role in life -- analyst on the weekly UFC news program "UFC Tonight" on FUEL TV.
Sonnen, alongside co-host Kenny Florian, provides insight and an expert opinion to the FUEL TV audience regarding anything and everything in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Sometimes they even bring in guests like Urijah Faber to help out, too.
With UFC 161: "Evans vs. Henderson" going down Saturday night (June 15, 2013) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Sonnen, Florian and Faber were required to give his official predictions for the three leading bouts on the card during the most recent edition of "UFC Tonight."
Watch the video above to hear Sonnen, Florian and Faber's thoughts on the main event between Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson, the co-main event battle between Roy Nelson and Stipe Miocic and a main card bout pitting Ryan Jimmo against Igor Pokrajac. Or read below for a transcription of the predictions below.
Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson
Sonnen: "I'm going with a draw."
Florian: "I think Rashad is going to take this one."
Faber: "I'm going with Dan, he's the man."
Sonnen: "Stipe has a huge opportunity here: he can fast-track himself back in the top 10 of the heavyweight division. This is a short notice fight for both of these guys - it was supposed to be Shogun vs. Little Chicken. Nelson has the power and Stipe has the speed. It's a lot closer of a fight than people think it is. I think the timing is actually going to favor Stipe, but Roy Nelson gets the win."
Florian: "Stipe Miocic is a guy who I've looked out for for a while. He has a ton of potential: he can wrestle, he can box, he's very athletic, and he's a big heavyweight. He has to fight smart against Roy Nelson. He has to mix it up very well and utilize that great wrestling. I think Stipe's got a ton of potential, but I think facing Roy Nelson is going to be tough. Roy Nelson is going to take this."
Faber: "Roy Nelson has generations of hillbilly breeding in his blood. You've got to work hard to get that gut, but he's got those calves and big hands. And he's dangerous, so I've got to give him the edge. Take away the center piece of Roy Nelson and he's a very well-rounded, dangerous fighter - I'm going with him."
Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac
Sonnen: "I think Jimmo needs to show up in a little bit better shape than last time. I think he will and I think he'll win."Florian: "I think Ryan Jimmo is going to come back strong and take this by TKO."
Faber: No pick
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