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Well, we can cross Chael Sonnen’s name off the list of potential challengers to face Anderson Silva at UFC 112. UFC matchmaker Joe Silva has informed Kevin Iole that Sonnen will not be offered the Silva fight.

Here it is. A rare Chael Sonnen interview where he doesn’t say anything so patently absurd it makes you shoot whatever liquid you happen to be drinking out your nose and all over your computer screen. Guess he saves all the good stuff for us. By the way, major props to the make-up artist for making Sonnen appear relatively normal from looking like he just came from the hospital after getting jumped by a gang of hoodlums.

Chael Sonnen reveals his non-gameplan gameplan for Anderson Silva.

“As soon as Anderson tries to punch me, I’m going to stick my forehead in his chest, run him against the fence, pick him up, put him on the canvas and that’s the end of that round. As soon as Anderson tries to kick me, I’m going to stick my forehead in his chest, run him into that fence, put him on the ground, that’s the end of that round.”

“I am five strike attempts by him away from being the UFC champion.”

If it was a three-rounder, I’d probably give Sonnen a much better chance, but five rounds sure gives Anderson a lot of opportunities to cave his head in with a knee. Gotta stick with the champ on this one.

By the way, Sonnen is set to appear on Fox & Friends tomorrow morning to talk about his bid to become a Oregon State Representative. I can’t wait to hear the sound bytes that come from that.

Video via MMA Weekly

If you’re ever looking for a place in Oregon, you know who to call…

Guess who?

“We are fine if this is what the UFC wants, but if you look at this logistically, Sonnen should fight Demian Maia first. Demian beat up easily, by submission, so why not make them fight first, to determine who gets a shot at the title?”

Yep, that’s Ed Soares vetoing another title contender for Anderson Silva. It’s definitely becoming a pattern. First it was Dan Henderson, then it was Nate Marquardt followed by Vitor Belfort. Basically no one in the middleweight division is worthy enough to fight Anderson Silva if you ask Soares. Good thing he’s not the matchmaker, otherwise Silva would never fight anybody.

Image via CombatLifestyle.com

The NSAC has released the fighter payouts for UFC 109. Keep in mind, these figures represent the base contracted pay the fighter receives from the promotion. These figures do not include any additional “locker room” bonuses, pay-per-view revenue sharing, or sponsorship money, which in many cases exceeds a fighter’s base pay. These numbers also do not account for taxes, insurance, and license fees.

Chael Sonnen is going to get the next middleweight title shot. The question is, against who? Anderson Silva or Vitor Belfort? We won’t know until April 10, but I can tell you Sonnen is rooting for Anderson Silva. Not because he wants to test himself against someone who’s widely considered one of the best fighters in the world though, Sonnen just thinks he’s a much easier opponent to beat. Seriously…

Fanhouse’s Ariel Helwani caught up with Dana White and the winners from UFC 109 to get their thoughts on the fights.

UFC 109 took place earlier this evening at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the night’s main event, Randy Couture and Mark Coleman finally met in the Octagon.

In the co-main event, Nate Marquardt and Chael Sonnen battled it out for a shot at the UFC middleweight title.

Demian Maia returned to action against Dan Miller.

Frank Trigg fought for his job against Matt Serra.

Mike Swick stepped in to take Paulo Thiago.

Results, thoughts, bonuses and live gate (when available) after the jump.