‘Misinterpretations happen’ – UFC legend breaks silence after being brutally choked unconscious twice

Chael Sonnen has claimed that he was simply ‘relaxing’ after being submitted twice on his combat sports return.

Sonnen fought jiu-jitsu master Craig Jones in the second edition of the latter’s invitational tournament last weekend, and things didn’t quite go according to plan.

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The former UFC title challenger, who fought Jon Jones in 2013, was stepping in on short notice for the injured Olympic gold medallist Gable Steveson, who was originally scheduled to fight on the night.

It took Jones just 25 seconds to lock in a buggy choke on Sonnen in the first round of the pair’s bout on Sunday.

Sonnen couldn’t escape and was left unconscious seconds later, declaring Jones the winner.

The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) is a grappling-only event that attempts to make the sport as accessible as possible for MMA fans, and victory can only be secured by submitting your opponent.

After he was finished by Jones, Sonnen instantly wanted another crack at the Australian.

However, the outcome was the same, as the 34-year-old from Australia locked in another buggy choke on Sonnen to claim a second win in quick succession.

Chael Sonnen reacts to Craig Jones defeat at CJI 2

“The first thing you do in a position like that is relax,” Sonnen wrote on social media in the aftermath of the fight.

“That’s all that was. I don’t blame anybody, and I’m not upset. Misinterpretations happen. I forgive you.”

Several members of the MMA fraternity played along with Sonnen’s joke with their reactions to his defeat.

One fan said: “That’s why you are the master. Literally playing dead, it made him let go. The ref then stopped you before you finished him. Craig was so lucky the ref stepped in.”

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Another added: “Textbook limp arm escape. Craig was so embarrassed that he ran out of the building.”

While a third wrote: “Had him right where you wanted him… clearly an early stoppage.”

What is Chael Sonnen’s UFC record?

Sonnen fought in the UFC for eight years between 2005 and 2013, challenging for the light heavyweight title three times at the peak of his powers.

During his time in MMA’s premier promotion, Sonnen was victorious in seven of his 13 bouts, defeating prominent names like Michael Bisping and Mauricio Rua.

The 48-year-old Oregon native first contested for gold against Anderson Silva at UFC 117 in August 2010, where he lost via submission in the fifth round.

He challenged Silva for the belt again two years later, but was finished this time in the second round by an of punches.

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And nine months later, Sonnen fought dominant UFC champion Jones for the title again, but it was almost the same picture, as he was stopped in the first round.