Chael Sonnen Admits to Being Jealous of Tito Ortiz’s Rise to Stardom in UFC

Chael Sonnen might have beaten Tito Ortiz in a college wrestling match nearly 20 years ago, but he doesn’t expect that long ago result to have any bearing on their fight at Bellator 170.“Tito’s a great fighter. He fights different than he wrestles. He was a hell of a wrestler. I caught him in one position. I’m not gonna hang my hat on that, and I don’t believe that position’s gonna happen again,” Sonnen said. “I’m a huge fan. I’m pumped to be in there with a Hall of Famer like Tito. I’m gonna do everything I can to beat him , but I don’t dismiss how good this guy is.” Sonnen, who wrestled for the University of Oregon, moved from 177 pounds to 190 pounds to face Ortiz, who competed for Cal State Bakersfield. “The Gangster from West Linn” pinned Ortiz in 44 seconds in their Jan. 23, 1998 match, a date which also happened to be Ortiz’s birthday. At that point, Ortiz had already begun his Ultimate Fighting Championship career. Sonnen, meanwhile, was of aware of his opponent’s exploits …

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