Sonnen Prefers Rematch Vs. Silva Over Title Shot
The UFC championship is the most coveted status among MMA. That said, would anyone be crazy enough to pass a title opportunity up for a chance at revenge or to fulfill some angry obsession? Look no further than UFC middleweight, Chael Sonnen. Sonnen, who is being discussed as a possible number one contender with a win over Brian Stann at UFC 136, said he would put the title shot aside for another shot at Anderson Silva.
“Dana [White, UFC President] and I are at a crossroads,” said Sonnen. “Dana wants this to be a number one contender’s match and wants me to fight for the championship.
“For me, what I am lobbying for, is win or lose (at UFC 136), I will fight Anderson Silva next. Anderson will be working his way back up, or I should say working his way down. I’m going to grab him and beat him up anyway, just for laughs, just on principle. Just for my sheer entertainment, I’m going to go slap that guy around. I don’t need his little tin belt. I’m already the champion.”
Sonnen fought Silva at UFC 117 for the title, controlling the fight for nearly all five rounds before getting caught and tapping to a triangle choke with just under two minutes remaining in the fight.
Silva will put his title on the line this weekend against Sonnen’s training partner, Yushin Okami, at UFC 134. Sonnen says he has no problem batting Okami - who he has no doubt will walk away from this fight with middleweight gold - for the title, but first would like to attend to Silva.
“I don’t have anything against fighting my friend Yushin Okami,” said Sonnen, “who will be the champion by then, but I have unfinished business with Anderson Silva.”
Of course, if Silva wins this weekend, Sonnen’s only route to revenge will be through Brian Stann which is no easy task. Sonnen may find himself overlooking his next opponent as he will certainly has his hands full.
