by Robert Maier

No rest for the weary.

Just a shade over a week since his suspension was lifted, UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen has resumed his verbal tirade, this time taking it to his upcoming UFC 136 opponent Lyoto Machida. Sonnen, who will venture back up to the light-heavyweight division for the October 8^th fight, has proclaimed that Machida is simply a “tune up” fight for him as he transitions down to the middleweight division for a second crack at reigning kingpin Anderson Silva. Check out what Sonnen told the MMA Fight Corner after the jump:

“There’s a man you may have heard of called Randy Couture, and Machida took one of his teeth. And for that I’m going to take three of his.  But, I’m not only willing to take on Machida just because of Randy, it’s also that easy fight thing. I’m trying to ease my way back into the pool so I’m calling out bums.”

I think it’s become the norm for MMA fans to see this type of nonsense come from Chael’s mouth, but it’ll be interesting to see come October whether or not he can rise to the occasion and show everyone how much of a “bum” Lyoto is.  I have a hard time believing he’ll be able to do so, but I’ll save that for another day.  The rumored fight card for UFC 136 can be seen below, and while the event is still a few months away, just looking at the lineup makes me convulse in excitement like a kid on a sugar high.

Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: To be announced
Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Main Event – UFC lightweight championship:

• 155lbs – Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard III

Co-Main Event – UFC featherweight championship:

• 145lbs – Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian

Main Card:

• 205lbs – Lyoto Machida vs. Chael Sonnen