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Morning Report: Georges St-Pierre compares Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor to Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Before there was Conor, there was Chael.

Chael Sonnen may have helped lay the foundation for a charismatic personality like Conor McGregor, but the UFC interim featherweight champ hasn't always enjoyed the comparison.

Speaking with Sonnen on his podcast, former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre explained why the two fighters draw a few parallels.

"I think, if I can make a comparison, of you[Sonnen] and Anderson Silva, I don't know if I'm right, but it seems like maybe McGregor got into Aldo's head a little bit," said St-Pierre. "I don't know [if McGregor can beat Aldo]. I guess we'll find out. Aldo is a very smart guy, but Conor McGregor, the way he talks trash, there is a purpose to it."

Sonnen was in rare form in the lead-up to his 2010 title bout with Silva at UFC 117. Sonnen would go on to test positive for elevated testosterone levels following the "Fight of the Year," but he nearly managed to score the upset win after battering Silva on the mat for four and half rounds.

Silva would ultimately end the bout in spectacular fashion, tapping Sonnen with an armbar from the triangle late in round five.

"Most of the guys who have fought Jose Aldo, they've been intimidated," said St-Pierre. "Aldo has an aura of invincibility. A little bit like Anderson Silva had back in the day before you fought him. I think [McGregor] is mentally trying to break that aura of invincibility, but we'll see. You need to break it physically, not mentally. It's going to be a very interesting fight. A very nice clash of styles."

Aldo and McGregor will battle for the undisputed featherweight title Dec. 12 at UFC 194 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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MEDIA STEW

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Open workout highlights from Seoul.

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Fighters teaching Korean school kids some self defense.

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Saul Rogers vs. Ryan Hall and Artem Lobov vs. Chris Gruetzemacher on TUF.

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Fare thee well, Cro Cop.

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Randy Couture weighs in on Ronda Rousey's loss.

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TTTHS.

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Long watches.

BMF Ranch Podcast: Ep 04 Special Guest Rob McElhenney

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Long Range Fighting - Neil Magny, Canelo, Tyson Fury (Heavy Hands)

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TWEETS

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Congrats on the career.

Cathal Pendred = LEGEND!A man who came from zero combat sports background and entered into the game at a time when...

Posted by Conor McGregor on Wednesday, November 25, 2015

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Happy holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving getting prepared to feast for the day, which is why I am thankful & the fans of the @ufc

Posted by Roy "Big Country" Nelson on Wednesday, November 25, 2015

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Camping.

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Was there a Groupon?

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Poor guy.

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Get well soon.

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FYI.

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Watch your back, Nick.

Getting ready for a fight!

Posted by Maximo "Maxi" Blanco on Monday, October 19, 2015

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Nov. 25 2015)

Daniel Pineda vs. Emmanuel Sanchez at Bellator 149

Russell Doane vs. Michinori Tanaka at UFC 195

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FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes via Split4u.

Jon Jones interview with Ariel : has the redemption story worked on you?

Ariel did a great interview with Jon Jones, allowing him a way to redeem himself in the public eye. A sidenote : while the interview is great and Ariel is as usual perfect in his role, I think a lot of people watching that content feel they are being steered way too much towards Jones's redemption. The first 5 minutes are so fake it hurts.

On Jon Jones the fighter, he apparently was not even at his optimal level because of his partying, can you imagine how great he would be in the cage?

There was so much to learn from that interview :

1) In terms of personality, nothing has changed : his regrets are all about him almost ending his career, going to jail. Barely a few minutes about what he has actually done. He admits he hit a car, ran away, went back to hide drugs, and left again, all of this possibly under the influence (he claims he was tired, but not drunk..ok). Dare I say it : he almost talks as a victim of his own actions.

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Check out the rest of the post here.

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Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.

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