Mike Winklejohn, the striking coach at Greg Jackson’s MMA, believes that Chael Sonnen had been training to fight UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones prior to being offered to fight as a last-minute replacement at UFC 151.
The event was cancelled after “Bones” declined a title fight with Sonnen, which was the only option available after Dan Henderson, a long-time friend and training partner of Sonnen, had to withdraw from his fight with Jones due to a knee injury.
Nevertheless, in an interview with Bloody Elbow, Winklejohn made it clear that he doesn’t appreciate the harsh criticism Jones has received for declining a bout with “The American Gangster.”
“All I can say to everybody, don't put this on Jon. There are others to blame. This UFC 151 problem should have been resolved weeks ago,” he said, also noting that Sonnen is a much different type of fighter than Henderson and is a tough opponent not to be taken lightly.
"How long has Chael been attacking Jon in the media? Hmm. He's a man known for moneymaking schemes and cheating by bending the rules. And he's done this in various arenas. I think Chael played almost everyone like a fiddle. But I believe like a coward he tried to train and strike Jon when Jon wasn't looking. But hey, Jon is a warrior, and he, actually we, saw it coming. All I can say to Chael is nice try.”
Sonnen has taken various shots at Jones on both Twitter (https://twitter.com/sonnench) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ChaelSonnen) in recent weeks, going as far as making a “Jon Jones Special” at his restaurant, Mean Street Pizza, located in his hometown of West Linn, Oregon.
“Loaded with chicken and full of cheese,” the ad reads. “Hurry up! Get this deal now before our chicken runs out and we have to cancel.”
Winklejohn would like to Jones fight Sonnen at some point, but only after the champion has had a full camp to prepare.
"Jon vs Sonnen. With no surprise attacks like Pearl Harbor. That's a fight I want to see. Jon will win the war, and I think the UFC should capitalize on it."
Do Winklejohn’s comments hold water or is he simply a coach bitter over the harsh criticism one of his students has recently received?