Chael Sonnen Beats Down Nate Marquardt to Earn Title Shot

For a three-to-one underdog Chael Sonnen looked like the favorite for most of his fight with Nate Marquardt as Sonnen ground out an unanimous decision victory. 

Sonnen started the fight by taking the fight to Nate Marquardt, closing the distance and taking his opponent down. From the canvas Chael was able to land repeated blows and control Marquardt who was unable to mount any offense from his guard until he landed a glancing elbow that opened a cut on Sonnen. That cut soon became a torrent of blood that soaked both fighters. Ironically, it was most likely the mixture of blood and sweat that prevented Marquardt from getting a strong grip on Sonnen's heel when he attempted to transition to a heel hook in the second round. 

Entering the final round Sonnen was up two rounds to none and Marquardt needed a finish to have a prayer of winning. Nate almost answered his own prayer when he locked in a tight guillotine near the end of the round. Unfortunately for Marquardt he was unable to finish Sonnen off though he did gain superior position. It was not enough for Nate as he lost all three rounds on the judges score cards. 

Sonnen's victory earns him a title shot against the winner of Anderson Silva-Vitor Belfort at UFC 112. 

SBN coverage of UFC 109: Relentless