Anderson Silva finishes Chael Sonnen (Image: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)The Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen rematch was one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history, and Silva was able to deliver with a brutal TKO victory against his American foe.
The rivalry is now finished—so finished that Silva actually invited Sonnen to a BBQ at his house following the fight. During the post-fight press conference, Sonnen said he’s starving and would love a Brazilian BBQ, but only if whatever is cooked is medium rare.
A potential trilogy fight clearly wouldn't make sense unless Sonnen won the championship, but since he was finished in dominating fashion, there definitely isn’t a reason for a third fight now. It’s time for Silva and Sonnen to both move on after a two-year emotional roller coaster for both fighters.
In the first round, Sonnen quickly secured a takedown against Silva. He didn’t land any significant ground-and-pound damage on Silva, despite ending the round in full mount. It initially looked like the fight would follow the same path as their first encounter, with Silva trying to defend off his back again.
Fortunately for the champion, Sonnen made a mistake trying to get a bit too cute with a spinning backfist—that he missed horribly—before being battered on the ground. After watching Silva land a beautiful knee to the body of his downed opponent, and then utilize heavy ground-and-pound, it’d be difficult to try and say Sonnen warrants a rematch at any point in the future.
Following the fight, it seems that both fighters understand that their long-disputed battle has finally come to a close. The UFC now will try and figure out who is next to challenge Silva and what is next for Sonnen.
This is what Silva had to say following the victory (via UFC.com): “Let’s show Brazil has manners. I want everyone to applaud for Chael. If you’d like to have a barbecue over (at) my house, I’d love to have you."
For his part, Sonnen acknowledged that Silva was able to get the better of him in their rematch, saying, “They gave me the opportunity. Nobody owes me anything. He’s a true champion, man. He got me with a good shot.”
As for what’s next for Silva, former light heavyweight Rashad Evans looks like he wants a chance to try and dethrone the Brazilian Muay Thai fighter. However, the middleweight division will need to sort itself out now, with Michael Bisping, Alan Belcher, Brian Stann and Hector Lombard all hoping to earn a title shot.
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