It’s official!
Since the beginning of mixed martial arts, two things have been dead certain-anything can happen in MMA, and Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva needs to happen. Back when both men were in the UFC, we came very close to seeing them fight.
During a very eventful season of the Ultimate Fighter Brazil, Sonnen and Silva clashed in a heated full blown fight on set. Sadly the two would never meet in the octagon, after a number of drug test related controversies laid waste to the pairing.
Sonnen & Silva’s Paths To Cross Again
Although we’ve only seen them trade strikes on TUF so far, fans are still clamouring to see them trade in the cage. Since they both left the UFC, injuries and Silva’s Nevada suspension have hindered progress.
Now both men are back on track, Bellator has made the no-brainer fight booking:
Boom!
Wondering what all the fuss is about? Just take a look at their instant classic brawl on the Ultimate Fighter set. Thinking it was staged? Think again. Two fighters were ejected from the show for their parts in the scuffle.
One particular contestant was a pro kickboxer, and was sent home for stomping on Sonnen’s head. Here’s the video:
Sonnen’s Comeback Wasn’t Great
Having sat absent for three years with his own Nevada ban, Sonnen came back against Tito Ortiz at Bellator 170. Disastrous for ‘The American Gangster,’ he was submitted in just over two minutes.
Given Silva’s ring rust, his last bout was against Brian Stann in 2013, could this be an even pairing? Obviously the rivalry will be tons of fun, but this is the fight game. Entertainment aside, this is a fight that’s been waiting literally years to happen.
Bellator 180 will be a pay-per-view event so you can bet ‘The Axe Murderer’ and Sonnen will be clashing plenty before June 24th.
