Undefeated MMA star Chael Sonnen shared some of his thoughts on WNO 27, including the explosive main event between Nick Rodriguez and Kaynan Duarte.

Chael Sonnen Talks WNO 27

Chael shared his opinion that, since WNO is the most legitimate grappling super fight series in the business, it is as legitimate a venue as possible to have a major match like this.

"Maybe you need to change the wording just a little bit to, who is number one in the absence of Gordon Ryan?"

Chael acknowledged that this match was necessary for the division to figure out the pecking order with the retirement of grappling great Gordon Ryan, the former #1 ranked heavyweight and pound-for-pound star. Gordon's coach John Danaher has acknowledged that Gordon will be unable to compete for a meaningful amount of time, but Chael believes Gordon will return eventually but until then the division must move on.

Chael shared examples like the retirement of 6-time World & Olympic champion wrestler John Smith or MMA world champion Jon Jones, who both had to leave their divisions while still the best and left an absence in their wake that others left to fill.

Chael also shared that one thing that helps Nicky Rod is his willingness to compete often and under multiple rulesets, something that Chael attributed to his time working with John Danaher. He pointed out that while Nick may face a stylistic issue with Victor Hugo, his ability to keep moving and not focus on any losses or setbacks helps make him a champion. 

"To watch Nicky come back quick, headline an event over a guy who had beaten him, and have the announcers crown it off by saying who's number one? Nicky won in the feature match. Nicky is number one."