Should UFC bring back tournaments? Chael Sonnen says Yes

Chael Sonnen has stated that he wants to revive UFC tournaments.

Many organisations have their own forms and traditions, from the PFL's unique season and playoff structure to the UFC's more conventional rating systems.

PRIDE Fighting Championship also gained attention for that kind of competition throughout its tenure. Beyond America, tournaments have become more common, with organisations like ONE Championship and K-1 adding GPs to their schedules.

One-night competitions served as the UFC's starting point. For instance, eight fighters competed in UFC 1 in a bracket where winning required three victories. In 1993, Royce Gracie prevailed over seven opponents to raise his hand in the decisive round.

The tournament-style structure was last used as a regular occurrence at UFC 17, but the company continued to use that format for the first few years of its existence.

Former middleweight and light heavyweight contender Chael Sonnen reflected on the times when competitions took place inside the Octagon in a video that was posted to his YouTube page.

“The tournaments were truly the great days. The tournaments used to be done, eight-man tournaments, three fights in one night; three victories in one night to win,” Sonnen said.

“I would love to see a tournament. I would just love it.”