UFC legend and former Greco-Roman wrestling standout Chael Sonnen found himself in a precarious situation at the University of Iowa wrestling facility. Sonnen, who once claimed he “could not be turned” during his prime in 1995, issued a bold challenge that quickly evolved into a cash-on-the-line wrestling showdown.
The challenge was simple yet ambitious: Sonnen would pay $1,000 to any wrestler under 200 pounds who could turn him in a gut wrench. The stakes doubled to $2,000 if the challenger could predict which direction they would turn him before the attempt.
“In 1995, I could not be turned,” Sonnen explained. “I would go to the Olympic training center. The coach would put me in the middle to show all the guys how to not get turned.”
What began as a casual remark to Iowa coach Ryan Morningstar quickly transformed into an official challenge when Morningstar announced it to the team. Sonnen, realizing the situation he had created, admitted, “This is a really bad idea. It potentially embarrasses me or it potentially embarrasses him. It doesn’t accomplish anything. But here we are.”
Caleb Young, a three-time All-American from Pennsylvania who is completing his doctorate in engineering, stepped up to the challenge. Adding to the stakes was the fact that Young is expecting to become a father in about three weeks – with the child set to be coach Tom Brands‘ first grandchild.
Team members made their predictions, with most backing Young to succeed. “I think I got Young. It might take him a little bit, but he’ll get it,” one teammate commented.
With the rules set at 30 seconds for the attempt, Young secured his lock and the challenge began. Fifteen seconds into the attempt, the former UFC star was still defending. However, Young’s technique eventually prevailed, and Sonnen was turned.
After reluctantly paying up, Sonnen admitted with good humor, “The whole thing was a bad idea.” When asked if he had any regrets, he simply responded, “Oh, the whole thing. Yeah.”
The impromptu challenge highlighted the camaraderie within the wrestling community, while proving that even legends like Sonnen aren’t immune to the skills of the next generation of wrestling talent.
