Striker vs. Grappler anyone? Muay Thai vs American Wrestling, Brazlian Hero vs. "The American Gangster". Ok I'll stop now. Shogun is and always will be my all time favorite fighter, I have a lot of fighters that I like but Shogun will always hold a special place in my heart. I didn't get the pleasure to watch his Pride Fights live but the replays are basically what got me interested in MMA.
I hate to be so simple but we all know Sonnen loses if it stays standing most of the fight and Shogun probably loses if he gets taken-down and can't get back up. I'd like to believe that Shogun has a better chance of holding his own in scrambing, clinching and off his back then Chael has standing with Shougn, it might be a small advantage but I believe it's there. It's a five round fight so I have to question Shogun's cardio as well as his Knees, although he seems to be past the knee problems as he has had no set backs after the last few fights.
Shogun has a few more outs in this fight, he can end the fight standing, win with his own take-downs (this is not very likely but Shogun has under-rated take-downs) or possibly submit Chael Sonnen. Chaels out in this fight is to Grind and Grind some more.
Chael's Striking is serviceable and his wrestling is obviously much better and based on Shogun's last few fights I'd also give the edge in Cardio to Sonnen but that's about all I'd give him.
In the end it comes down to whether or not Sonnen controls 3 of the 5 rounds to take a split or UD. If it was three round fight I'd probably be hesitating less and taking Sonnen to grind it out. The fanboy in me is going to pray and hope Shogun has his cardio up to par and I think everything else will fall into place.
Prediction - Shogun Rua via TKO ground and pound end of round 4.