Sonnen will keep it real in analyzing co-worker Melendez’s UFC fight for SportsCenter

ESPN UFC analyst Chael Sonnen — who debuted for ESPN before UFC 180 — will be in-studio today and throughout the weekend providing expert analysis for SportsCenter’s pre- and post-fight coverage of tomorrow’s UFC 181 event from Las Vegas. This time, however, Sonnen will have the opportunity to critique UFC competitor Gilbert Melendez, who also happens to be a fellow ESPN UFC analyst. Melendez, who joined ESPN in 2013, will face current UFC lightweight titlist Anthony Pettis for the crown.

Front Row asked Sonnen and ESPN producer/editor Nick Giangarra — who works closely with Melendez on the production side — for perspective.

What’s it like analyzing a fellow ESPN colleague? How critical can you be?
Sonnen: It’s like analyzing any other fight or fighter. Friend or foe, I’m going to tell you the same thing if you ask my opinion or not. Why would I go easy on a friend or colleague? So when they lose they can say, ‘Hey, thanks for not telling me my takedown defense [was poor]. I spent 25 minutes on my back?’ If you ask my opinion personally, or if I’m wearing a suit and tie and addressing an audience, it’s going to be critical. I’m either trying to give the audience the best possible analysis I can give, or trying to give a friend the best possible advice I can give him.

What’s it like working with Gilbert Melendez the analyst?
Giangarra: From the first time he stepped on ESPN’s campus, Gilbert has been great to work with. He’s got a natural talent for breaking down fights, and he’s always working hard to get better. After each appearance on SportsCenter, he asks me if we can sit down and watch his segments to see how he could improve. He keeps getting better every time we bring him in.