Silva-Sonnen rematch may happen sooner
Immediately after the main fight of UFC 117, people were demanding a rematch between the light-heavyweight champion, Anderson Silva, and his most worthy challenger to date, the trash-talking, Chael Sonnen.
Fans who want to see them fight again may get their wish sooner than expected. Dana White had confirmed his plans in getting the two fighters to battle once more on ESPN's sportcenter.
The interesting pre-fight hype and the epic match
The spectators really had their money's worth when Chael Sonnen, gave the Brazilian UFC champion the hardest four and a half rounds of his UFC career.
The main event of UFC 117 is considered as one of the most sensational title fights of the organization's history. The most dominant MMA fighter to have ever walked inside the octagon was humbled by a heavy loudmouth underdog. Sonnen's excellent wrestling skills made it clear that Silva is only human and can be beaten by a fearless and skilled wrestler.
Leading up to the first fight, Chael Sonnen was never hesitant to voice out his thoughts on Silva. At that time, his statements were considered by many as absurd and ridiculous. Although some of Sonnen's statements were obviously meant to promote the fight or to get into Silva's head, the wrestler's belief in his abilities and chances of beating the champion was crystal clear.
Sonnen was a pre-fight motormouth. He continuously dismissed the champion. "There's people out there that need (to be) beaten up – he's one of them. And I have a moral obligation to society to beat him up," Chael said in one interview.
Fans were amused by Sonnen's declarations but not convinced. They were expecting Sonnen to lose. Seeing the fight as another blowout, people were more worried about Silva's performance, whether he would go for the kill or clown around again like the way he acted in his last fights.
People wanted to see a fight. They did get an amazing match but did not expect that it was from the fighter they disregarded. Chael Sonnen's fearlessness, wrestling skills, and relentless attacks gave the spectators and Silva an unforgettable night.
Silva might hit Sonnen with good elbows and kicks but the challenger's ability to absorb punishment canceled the champion's lethal strikes. That night, Silva had no answer for Sonnen's wrestling and takedowns. The champion was on his back most of the time with a relentless machine constantly hitting him with every type of strike in the book. Every round for four rounds was unquestionably won by Sonnen.
To the challenger's disappointment, the answer Silva was looking and hoping for came late in the last round via triangle choke. Silva won the fight with a come-from-behind submission. Nevertheless, Chael Sonnen earned the respect of fans and the rematch as well.
White's hesitation and confirmation
After the fight, Dana White knew what was coming as he acknowledged the people's desire for the rematch. He liked the idea but he was initially noncommittal. He often said that Sonnen deserves a rematch but would not confirm anything about it.
The most probable reason for White's initial hesitation was because of Vitor Belfort. The former UFC heavyweight and light-heavyweight champion is lined up to fight for the Silva's title. It can be a very lucrative and interesting match-up. However, due to Belfort's nagging injuries, White ultimately chose to go with the Silva-Sonnen rematch which is also a sure seller.
No date was confirmed but it may happen later this year or early next year. The impending rematch will show if Silva can indeed adapt to the wrestling and pressure of Sonnen. Silva will have another chance to prove to the world that he can get better and fill the holes of his game. On the other hand, Sonnen will have another crack at the title. Fortunately for us, we do not have to wait much longer.
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