As much as everyone hates to admit it the world needs a bad guy.  Real life requires drama.  The tension between a hero and villain excites everyone.  The stakes are higher when the villain is actually smart, strong, and funny.  In a world full of heroes, wannabe heroes, and aspiring heroes all we ever really wanted was a villain and sometimes that has to be manufactured.

Chael P. Sonnen the self-proclaimed” liner middleweight champion” is fighting January 28^th, 2012 in Chicago, IL at the UFC on Fox 2.  Three weeks away and my excitement levels are high.  Chael has made a comeback from what a rough stretch in 2010 and part of 2011: Losing to Anderson Silva after dominating him for four rounds, Suspension from the CSAC, Legal issues in Oregon.  Chael returned to prominence after defeating Brian Stann.  He declared his distain of the reigning middleweight champion Anderson Silva after his victory. 

However, Chael is not facing Anderson for the second time, in what was assured to be an immediate rematch after his lose to Silva at UFC 117, he is facing middleweight contender Mark Munoz.  Munoz was An All-American and National Champion wrestler at Oklahoma St.  This is a stiff test for the bad guy.  This fight will be promoted as being closer than it actually should be.  Unlike Munoz, Chael Sonnen is not new to the fight game.  Chael has been boxing for many more years than Munoz.  His strikes are clean and straight.  He is a technical boxer who knows how to match his clean straight punches and transition into a power offensive wrestling game.  In this fight, takedowns will come at a premium.  If this fight remains standing Chael holds the advantage.  If this fight goes to the ground does Munoz have the ability to hold Chael down and enforce his powerful top position ground and pound?

Chael is despised by the Brazilian people for his comments about their country.  He has been working an angle that Sgt. Slaughter used in the 80's.  If your not American you're the enemy.  He is a smooth talker who at times is considered delusional.  But is not delusion if you can back up your statements.  Chael Sonnen has something that no other fighter in the world has.  He has the confidence of knowing that he has gone the limit with Anderson Silva, considered the "Greatest of All-Time," and put a one sided beating on Anderson Silva.  

 I believe in Chael Sonnen.  I believe that the bad guy will win this fight and if Sonnen wins big?  He will still probably not get a shot against Anderson Silva any time soon.  But when you’re the self-proclaimed “baddest sum bitch” that god ever made… titles don’t really mean all that much.

The year that was 2011.

In year so full of ups and downs in MMA I could sit and reflect on the monumental moments of the year for a long time.  Jon Jones put together the greatest year in UFC history.  Jon Jones walked through former champions Shogun, Rampage, Machida.  Amazing fights were had tall around: Edgar v Maynard 2&3, Henderson v Shogun, Chandler v Alvarez.  Nick Diaz made his UFC Debut, dismantling BJ Penn with a barrage of body shots.  His little brother Nate jumped down to 155 to defeat Cowboy Cerrone in a one sided shallacking.  Brock Lesnar retires.  Christ Lytle retires.  Zuffa buys Strikeforce.  Chael Sonnen solidifies that he is the best heel in MMA.  Anderson Silva is declared the GOAT.  So much to love in MMA.  So many memories. So many fights.  So many hours sitting on the computer.  I know I missed a lot, but these moments stand out and I look forward to 2012.  I look forward to the first event of the year at UFC 142 Brazil.  Jose Aldo defending his title against a game opponent in Chad Mendes.  Rumble Johnson v Vitor Belfort.  I think this card is a little weak, but the fights dictate how this event will be remembered.  If UFC 142 inherently displays a number of malicious knockouts and submissions then it will be remembered and revered.  I hope that this first event sets the tone for the year.