Chael Sonnen was an All-American at 190 pounds for the University of Oregon in 1998 and was a two-time Pac-10 conference runner-up. He also had a successful career in Greco-Roman wrestling, winning University National titles in 1999 and 2000 at 187.25 pounds. His overall MMA career record was 29-14-1 in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.