The Metamoris 4 event this weekend in California is getting a lot of last minute attention as banished UFC fighter Chael Sonnen was set to compete. The eyes on the event increased when the Nevada State Commission stepped in challenging Sonnen’s ability to compete due to their suspension, and Sonnen has upped the ante yet again, calling old mentor Randy Couture as a potential replacement.
The odds for the event are posted at BetDSI, the only book taking bets on grappling out there. Metamoris released a statement stating that they expect Sonnen to grapple, and Couture will not be able to participate dues to his calendar being booked for the weekend with acting obligations.
Now, Metamoris is walking a delicate line still using Sonnen’s name, when ultimately, he will not compete with the threat of a fine of $250,000 hanging over his head, and you can bet on this, we still have not seen the ‘Chael Sonnen Comeback’, and he would not risk a potential return to the UFC over this grappling match. So the chances that Sonnen will actually compete this weekend are slim. If he is serious about retiring and riding off into the sunset, maybe he gets in there.
The fact that Sonnen reached out to Couture shows that he is looking for an out, but he does not want to leave the promotion without a fight. And Couture has the name recognition for a big ticket.
So what is the likely outcome? The Metamoris people can get a high level JJ grappler as a replacement, but I dont think that was the point of the match. Galvao is a top name, and they were looking to get him the pop that goes with facing a high profile athlete. There really is no one else that quite brings the notoriety of Sonnen, or Couture.
Metamoris will likely cancel the match. If they accept another opponent, Sonnen’s list of potential replacements include former teammates Matt Lindland and Nate Quarry, both of whom are talented but dont have quite the name value. There are obviously other candidates, but fame is the name of the game here.
