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Jon Jones Says He Has No Intentions of Fighting Anderson Silva

According to ESPN, undisputed UFC 205-pound titlist Jon Jones says he has no intentions of fighting 185-pound champion and No. 1 pound-for-pound kingpin Anderson Silva.
“Man my man ‪#AndersonSilva went to work tonight, consistently amazing…

According to ESPN, undisputed UFC 205-pound titlist Jon Jones says he has no intentions of fighting 185-pound champion and No. 1 pound-for-pound kingpin Anderson Silva.

“Man my man ‪#AndersonSilva went to work tonight, consistently amazing,” Jones said. “I guess Anderson said he had no interest in fighting me at tonight’s press conference, I feel the same way about him. Nothing but respect.”

Silva later replied: “@JonnyBones good see you bro see you soon.”

At 23, “Bones” Jones became the youngest ever champion in the history of the Zuffa-based promotion when he brutally decimated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128.

The Endicott native followed up that impressive win with victories over a trio of the division’s former champions—Rashad Evans (unanimous decision), Lyoto Machida (guillotine choke) and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (rear-naked choke).

Ever since the aforementioned victories, the debate has raged as to whether Jones, ranked No. 3 in the pound-for-pound rankings, has the capability to defeat “The Spider”, and vice versa.

However, regardless of the pressure from the fans and media to get these two elite combatants in the same Octagon, both fighters have made it crystal clear that one of the most anticipated clashes in MMA history will never transpire.

Silva (32-4 MMA) is currently riding an incredible 15-fight win streak in the organization and registered a record 10th successful title defense when he derailed Chael Sonnen via second round TKO in the main event of UFC 148.

Conversely, Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) could easily have been riding an 11-fight win streak save for the disqualification he incurred for employing illegal downward elbows against Matt Hamill in his fourth UFC outing.

Jones is slated for a fourth defense of his crown when he faces off against former Strikeforce 205-pound champion Dan Henderson at UFC 151 later this year.

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Anderson Silva Must Win in Impressive Fashion to Restore His Aura of Greatness

At UFC 148, it’s not only a necessity, it’s an absolute and categorical must, that Anderson Silva leaves the Octagon with a victory that will forever etch his name in the annals of MMA history—a win that will restore his aura of…

To some and maybe even to Silva, Chael P. Sonnen was just a stepping stone on his trajectory to greatness, but that was farthest from the truth as “The Spider” found to his cost at UFC 117—he encountered the rudest of awakenings—he was both victim and accomplice to a complete and utter mugging.

The MMA world stood aghast, wide-eyed and gobsmacked as they witnessed the No. 1 pound-for-pound king getting served on a platter of humble pie, humiliation and embarrassment.

Long story short, it was a rout, save for the fact he just about mustered a Hail Mary submission in the dying minutes of the final frame.

Sonnen, though the vanquished, basked in the glory of his humiliated foe and from thenceforth incessantly rubbed salt into Silva’s gaping wounds

Some sections of the media as well as the fans were mesmerized and intoxicated by the rhetoric-spewing Sonnen, so much so they actually believed he was the sole combatant in the 185-pound class that had Silva’s number.

Now it’s up to Silva to change their mindset.

Come UFC 148, the stakes will be higher than they’ve ever been for the 37-year-old Brazilian…period.

A decision win is out of the question.

A victory via submission happened two years ago.

Only a sublime performance and knockout of epic proportion will suffice.

In his last two outings, Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 15-0 UFC) has scored a brace of mind-boggling knockouts (back-to-back); to restore his aura of greatness, it’s a prerequisite Sonnen makes the hat trick.

UFC 148 is scheduled for July 7, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

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Dana White Says Anderson Silva Is Best in the World, and Doesn’t Use TRT

UFC President Dana White went on record to say Anderson Silva doesn’t require the use of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) to perform at the highest level. He also stated that the middleweight champion was the No. 1 fighter in the world. In …

In addition, White gave a candid evaluation of TRT and its users.

From White, originally reported by ESPN.co.uk:

“The way TRT works is, as you get older, your testosterone level drops. This replaces it. But the problem is you get guys going ‘this much [gestures small amount] is good, so this much [gestures bigger amount] must be great.’

“You will find guys who will cheat even with the stuff that’s legal.

“Anderson Silva, the best in the world, has broken every record in the UFC, he’s 38 years old and he is not doing TRT. He’s 100 per cent [sic] natural and he beats everybody.

“The bottom line is you don’t need that junk. If you don’t use stuff earlier in your career, you don’t end up needing that junk.”

The debate as to whether TRT enhances an athlete’s performance has been raging on for a while now.

However, there are advantages to taking TRT, such as an increase in energy levels, bone density and muscle mass.

Following his title tilt against Silva at UFC 117, it was revealed that Sonnen had elevated levels of T/E (Testosterone/Epitestosterone) in his urine sample, and as a consequence, he was suspended for 12 months (later reduced to six on appeal).

Former Strikeforce heavyweight champion and current UFC resident Alistair Overeem is another fighter whose T/E ratio was way over the allowed ratio of 6:1. For his transgressions, the Nevada State Athletic Commissions revoked his license.

Sonnen is scheduled to lock horns with Silva once again in the main event of UFC 148.

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UFC 148: Chael Sonnen Says No Touching of Gloves with Anderson Silva

Chael Sonnen says the customary touching of gloves will not take place when he challenges Anderson Silva for his 185-pound crown at UFC 148. Matt Erickson of MMAjunkie.com first reported the story. However, Sonnen was quick to point out that once…

Chael Sonnen says the customary touching of gloves will not take place when he challenges Anderson Silva for his 185-pound crown at UFC 148.

Matt Erickson of MMAjunkie.com first reported the story.

However, Sonnen was quick to point out that once the fight was over, he’d be willing to shake hands with Silva. Furthermore, he intimated that he harbored no ill will towards his Brazilian counterpart.

“I will always shake hands, win or lose, after a competition,” Sonnen said. “Since I was 9 years old, that’s always been the rule. A lot of guys’ fathers told them, ‘You wait till he throws the first punch.’ What my dad taught me was as soon as he squares up, it’s starting. This guy has squared up.”

“Hate’s too strong of a word,” Sonnen said. “I want to beat Anderson up. I’m going to beat Anderson up. He’s a phony, he’s a fraud and he’s got what I want. But I don’t wish him a bad life. We’ll take care of business in the octagon, we’ll shake hands either way, we’ll walk out and that will be the end of it.”

Sonnen and Silva’s feud has been going on for a while now, with the Oregon native assuming the role of the consummate anti-hero.

In contrast, Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) has more or less been the perfect gentleman and model professional, that is until he threatened Sonnen with grievous bodily harm in a recent 148 conference media call.

The last time these two met was back at UFC 117 when Sonnen was minutes away from toppling Silva from his lofty perch. However, within a twinkle of an eye, “The Spider” locked Sonnen in a triangle-armbar to secure the victory and his seventh successful defense of his title.

After nearly two years of intense animosity, the most eagerly awaited clash in the history of the Zuffa-based promotion is about to come to a shuddering crescendo—scores will be settled once and for all.

That said, depending on the outcome, a third encounter could be in the offing.

However, Sonnen made it clear that that would never happen. He believes he was the victor in their last outing and is convinced that Silva wouldn’t oblige him due to what transpired back then.

“I will gladly fight him. But under what illusions are we that he would ever ask for a third match? He got destroyed the first time, did everything he could to get out of this fight (and) he’s going to get destroyed again. This isn’t going to be close. I already know how this is going to go: He gets stomped, and then, ‘He wasn’t ready’ and ‘My rib’ – I already know how it goes. … This will not be a competitive fight. I have no equal in this division. I have no equal in this sport. I’m the greatest fighter of all time, and I will walk through this guy like I have walked through everybody else.”

Moreover, Sonnen (27-11 MMA, 6-4 UFC) is of the mindset that their rematch is his for the taking.

“I would fight that guy every day,” he told MMAjunkie.com. “I love easy fights. I’ve had the hard fights. I had to fight Stann. I had to fight Bisping. I had to fight (Yushin) Okami. I had to fight (Nate) Marquardt. I had the hard fights. I want some easy fights now.”

Of the aforementioned quartet, the latter two suffered knockout losses to Silva, whilst Sonnen’s victories all came by way of decision.

UFC 148 is scheduled for July 7, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

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UFC 148 Fight Card: Which Fighter Has the Most to Gain?

It goes without saying that one Chael P. Sonnen has the most to gain in the entirety of the UFC 148 fight card. Every other combatant in the mix is a No. 2 contender with regards to most to gain. Anderson wants to make a statement of intent, Tito Ortiz…

It goes without saying that one Chael P. Sonnen has the most to gain in the entirety of the UFC 148 fight card.

Every other combatant in the mix is a No. 2 contender with regards to most to gain.

Anderson wants to make a statement of intent, Tito Ortiz will attempt to end his career on a high note and Demian Maia needs to impress on his welterweight debut.

Chad Mendes is looking for redemption and Melvin Guillard sits precariously close to the hot seat following back-to-back defeats.

With that said, the self-proclaimed “American Gangster” heads into the main event knowing a loss will automatically confine him to the list of MMA’s also-rans, but a victory will thrust him into the media’s spotlight like never before.

Furthermore, a resounding win—or a win nonetheless—against the pound-for-pound linchpin will place him on a pedestal of MMA godliness.

Prior to garnering the notoriety he now has the pleasure of basking in, Sonnen was nothing more than an afterthought apropos skill set and accomplishments (he still hasn’t achieve anything yet).

All that changed when he almost untangled “The Spider’s” web back at UFC 117. From thenceforth, he became a force to be reckoned with.

However, the West Linn, Oregon, native now has the opportunity to feast with the MMA giants and to boot, mentioned in the same breath, if he can end the 14-fight winning streak of Silva and in the process capture UFC gold.

For the 35-year-old Sonnen (27-11- MMA, 6-4 UFC) greatness awaits—he without a doubt has the most to gain at UFC 148.

As the man said himself:

“One night, one moment, 12 pounds of gold. This will all be a colossal failure if I don’t have that one night.”

UFC 148 is scheduled for July 7, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

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Tito Ortiz Says Anderson Silva ‘Wants to Kill Chael Sonnen’

Following Anderson Silva’s physical confrontation with Chael Sonnen at a recent UFC 148 press junket, Tito Ortiz now believes “The Spider” wants to kill the self-proclaimed “American Gangster.” “It shows Chael Sonnen…

“It shows Chael Sonnen is getting under Anderson Silva’s skin,” Ortiz told ESPN. “Is it a good thing or a bad thing? We’re about to find out.”

“Anderson’s feathers are ruffled, and he’s fighting out of anger now. I’ve never seen Anderson fight out of anger. To see him angry, out of character, he wants to kill Chael Sonnen.”

Before the UFC presser altercation, the Brazilian vented his fury at a UFC 148 media conference call—letting Sonnen and the MMA world know what fate awaited the trash-talking Oregonian.

“This is going to be violent and I am sorry. I’m going to make sure that every one of his teeth are broken, that his arms are broken and his legs are broken. He’s not going to be able to walk out of the Octagon by himself. I can guarantee that. He will need a plastic surgeon afterwards,” Silva said.

Those were the words of a man hellbent on total destruction and absolute mayhem. Whether Sonnen has ruffled Silva’s feathers as Ortiz alluded to is up in the air. What remains factual is that the verbal assault was indicative of a man with a serious axe to grind.

Prior to and ever since Sonnen failed in his attempt to unseat Silva at UFC 117, he has been a constant thorn in his side—berating him from pillar to post at every given opportunity.

Yet, more times than not, the UFC 185-pound titlist has kept schtum and allowed his arch rival to vocally vituperate to his heart’s content.

But now, Silva has methodically turned the tables on Sonnen, and the most anticipated fight in UFC history just got juicier.

Tito Ortiz is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and made a record five successful title defenses.

That said, “The Peoples’ Champ” formerly known as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” will be inducted into the UFC’s Hall of Fame before his swan song rubber match with Forrest Griffin in the co-main event of 148.

UFC 148 is scheduled for July 7, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

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