Chael Sonnen, a pioneer of trash talk in the UFC, believes that while he personally disagrees with certain controversial comments made by fighters like Colby Covington, it should be the audience, not regulators, who determine what speech is acceptable, emphasizing the fluidity of societal standards and his stance against strict regulation of speech.
Chael Sonnen revolutionized UFC banter. His sharp tongue arguably earned him three title shots and inspired the likes of Conor McGregor.
Sonnen’s remarks? Outrageous, often blatantly untrue. Yet, he draws the line at cursing—unless it’s for a movie role.
He believes audiences should set the boundaries, not the suits. Sonnen doesn’t personally endorse Colby Covington’s jab at Leon Edwards‘ late father before UFC 296.
“Too far with the dad comment?” Sonnen pondered on *The MMA Hour*. “Yeah, of course he did.”
But policing speech is tricky, Sonnen muses. Fines? Maybe. But the rules are murky, and enforcement is inconsistent.
Sonnen suggests a simpler barometer: the crowd’s reaction. They’re the ultimate judges of what’s acceptable.
Dana White’s rule is clear: No cursing, no bonus. Colby didn’t curse, so he’d sidestep that rule, Sonnen points out.
Colby’s words were meant to sting. The audience’s response? That’s the real consequence, Sonnen argues. And that line? It’s always shifting.
Once, the UFC tried to set standards with a Code of Conduct. Miguel Torres felt its sting, losing his contract over an ill-advised joke.
Lately, the UFC’s been more relaxed about fighter speech. National flags in the octagon? That’s a different story, thanks to global tensions.
The UFC’s stance seems to reflect an understanding. Some lines just shouldn’t be crossed, Sonnen observes.
Sonnen reminisces about Elvis and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. Both pushed boundaries in their time. The line of decency? It’s always on the move.
Sonnen’s take is clear: Rules on speech are a bad idea. Words, he argues, can’t truly harm us. They just can’t.