Urijah Faber: I think the sport of MMA needs guys like Chael Sonnen

Don't like Chael Sonnen and his decidedly pro wrestling influenced style in your mixed martial arts (MMA)? You're certainly not alone but there are plenty who think the sport needs him.

Like Urijah Faber.

"The California Kid" was asked his thoughts on Sonnen and his WWE-like theatrics. His response makes clear that he respects the hustle (via MMA Weekly):

"I think this sport needs guys like Chael Sonnen. The guy was coming over from the WEC as world champion and then came over and got put on the undercard for the UFC. I think he chose to make a switch and said 'I need to stand out in this sport and just being the nice, intelligent guy that I am is not enough.' He probably won't admit to that, but the guy made a switch and decided, 'hey, I'm gonna stand out in this sport. I'm gonna create my own opportunities.' And he does it in an interesting way that people either really hate or really love."

That style certainly isn't for everyone but it's difficult to argue with Sonnen's quick rise from anonymous middleweight with a boring grappling game to loud motor mouth who is a bonafied big money draw on pay-per-view (PPV).

And all because he's a good fighter who took a few cues from pro wrestling.

Hear it straight from Faber's mouth after the jump. And feel free to let us know in the comments section below exactly how you feel about pro wrestling invading your MMA space.