LOS ANGELES, CA – This week’s “UFC Tonight” features guest analyst Chael Sonnen in the studio talking about his next fight versus Anderson Silva, and makes predictions for UFC on FUEL TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger, while Kenny Florian interviews Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger from Omaha, Nebraska.

“UFC Tonight” Special Guest Analyst Chael Sonnen on Sanchez vs. Ellenberger: “Diego Sanchez has been part of some of the most grueling, most exciting, back-and-forth fights in the history of the UFC. He’s a main-event fighter, he’s a championship fighter. He is awesome. He has wars. Ellenberger doesn’t. Ellenberger has been running through competitions – knock out after knock out, finish after finish. Outside of Georges St-Pierre, he is the only guy in seven years to defeat Jake Shields. You have one of the toughest guys in the sport versus one of the hottest guys in the sport. I think the hot guy right now is the one to look at—Ellenberger. But I would never miss this fight!”

Diego Sanchez on his fight with Ellenberger: “Coming into this fight with Jake, I regard him as the toughest guy in the welterweight division. And that’s why I said you know what, I got to be at my best, I want to be in my best shape, I want to be able to push the pace and bring the fight to him. I pulled out all the stops and I’m going to be at my best tomorrow night.”

Jake Ellenberger on his fight with Sanchez: “He [Sanchez] is a warrior. He’s been in there for a long time. I have nothing but respect for him. We are going there tomorrow night to compete and I’m looking forward to it.”

Sanchez on not being in the Octagon in a year: “Once they lock the gate, I’m in battle mode. He’s going in there to knock my head off and I have to try to knock his head off too. We are going to bring the dog fight that you didn’t get to see in the last Pay Per View.”

“UFC Tonight” Analyst Kenny Florian’s prediction on Sanchez vs. Ellenberger: “Both these guys are so aggressive. Sanchez is the kind of guy who likes to get you to the mat. He uses ground and pound, and has phenomenal submissions as well. Jake Ellenberger has the wrestling to stop those takedowns and land the big shot. He definitely has knock out power. For me, the difference is going to be that knock-out power. Jake Ellenberger is going to get the win here.”

Florian on Struve vs. Dave Herman: “I think Dave Herman is going to find the chain of Stefan Struve. He has proved that he has the power to do it. Stefan has struggled when guys have been able to find their mark and I think Herman is going to get the win here.”

Florian on Simpson vs. Markes: “Both these guys can get it done with their striking. Both are dangerous, heavy handed guys. I think Ronny Markes has a strength and size advantage that will be the difference in the fight.”

Sonnen on if he will fight Anderson Silva: “I have not even been offered the fight. I’ve read in the media that I’m going to have the fight. I’m telling people that I have the fight, but the reality is I’ve never been offered it.”

Sonnen on changing weight class and his status in the UFC: “My contract with the UFC is at 185 pounds. I really respect the guys who change weight divisions. If I ever changed weights, it would be because my athletic abilities were diminishing and I would look for an easier weight class. If my athletic ability is greatly diminished I will probably just join the NFL.”

“UFC Tonight” Insider Ariel Helwani on Nick Diaz testing positive for marijuana use: “I spoke to his manager and trainer Cesar Gracie and he said they are going to fight this. They have hired a big lawyer inNevada. And they hope to have their say come April. His opponent Carlos Condit has said that he is waiting for GSP to come back, instead of fighting someone else in the interim.”

Helwani on the next FOX fight: “It goes down May 5 in New Jersey and the UFC is hoping to put on Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffith 3. Unfortunately, Tito Ortiz isn’t healthy yet, so they delayed the trilogy fight. Instead they booked Alec Belcher versus Rousimar Palhares.”

“UFC Tonight” is the official weekly news and information show of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, airing every Tuesday night at 10:00 PM ET on FUEL TV. The show is co-hosted by veteran UFC fighter and multiple title contender Kenny Florian and former UFC host and WEC announcer Todd Harris. Two-time World MMA Awards Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani adds insider news.

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