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.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

The MMA Beat. The panel discusses the aftermath of Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm, Jon Jones, Cris Cyborg's future and much more.

'It's really a slap in the face.' Jon Jones says the UFC was "very well aware" Vitor Belfort was on steroids when they fought at UFC 152.

Admission of use. Mirko Cro Cop suspended two years for substance violation.

Kings. Head coach Rafael Cordeiro says UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum is the best heavyweight ever.

'It is time for me to move on.' UFC welterweight Cathal Pendred retires from MMA at 28.

MEDIA STEW

Open workout highlights from Seoul.

Fighters teaching Korean school kids some self defense.

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

Fare thee well, Cro Cop.

Randy Couture weighs in on Ronda Rousey's loss.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

BMF Ranch Podcast: Ep 04 Special Guest Rob McElhenney

...

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

...

TWEETS

Congrats on the career.

Onto the next chapter..... pic.twitter.com/ebKMx666qP — Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) November 25, 2015

It has been an honor to coach you and stand in your corner. Best of luck with the next chapter Cathal. https://t.co/bZ1xvIv1Sm — Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) November 25, 2015

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

All the best in the next chapter bro! https://t.co/93nImkZ2kU — STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) November 25, 2015

@Pendred driving force for me&pleasure watching u on your journey from the bottom to the top my man,always a class act&friend for life — Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) November 25, 2015

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

I always make a holiday my cheat day....but here's another reminder of how this all adds up.. pic.twitter.com/M0tUpneLmk — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) November 26, 2015

Thanksgiving Goals Men & Women: look pregnant Pregnant Women: look like you're having triplets Eat up folks — Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 26, 2015

Camping.

Was there a Groupon?

Thanks dr tony @AcupunctureZen for taking care of my body feel brand new , start the new chapter fresh !! pic.twitter.com/7P6rAXPI47 — robin van roosmalen (@robinvroosmalen) November 25, 2015

Ancient Chinese secret Got my back worked on here in Azerbaijan @ Baku, Azerbaijan https://t.co/40ejFGZEw6 — Matt Lindland (@mattlindland) November 25, 2015

Poor guy.

Get well soon.

Hurt my knee and had to pull out of my next fight; recovering already & will be back very soon. #TeamSilverio pic.twitter.com/yxtD9Q3oy1 — Elias Silvério (@EliasSilverio) November 25, 2015

FYI.

For those asking there WILL be a Fight Companion podcast this Saturday at 5am PT for the @ufc live from Korea. @BrendanSchaub @eddiebravo — Joe Rogan (@joerogan) November 25, 2015

Watch your back, Nick.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Nov. 25 2015)

Daniel Pineda vs. Emmanuel Sanchez at Bellator 149

Russell Doane vs. Michinori Tanaka at UFC 195

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. ...

Check out the rest of the post here.

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.