Anderson Silva earned Chael Sonnen’s respect at UFC 148.
After being dominated in the first round, Silva rallied once again in dramatic fashion to stop Sonnen and put to rest the storied feud that has captivated the MMA world for over two years.
In an interview with Jim Rome, UFC President Dana White opened up about Sonnen’s reaction backstage after losing to Silva for a second time:
Chael Sonnen, motivated, in great shape, injury free, couldn’t have been better going, and wanted that title so bad. That first round, you look at the way that happens, and this is what Chael Sonnen said to me after the fight. He didn’t say it at the press conference, but he said it to me.
He said, ‘I have so much respect for this guy, Dana. I’ve been competing in combat sports since I was seven-years-old. In that first round, when I was on top of him, and I was hitting him with those big elbows, I felt him break. I broke him in that first round. He came back in that second round and destroyed me. I’ve never seen anybody do that ever.’
The first round of the rematch was déjà vu for Silva fans, and not in a good way.
Sonnen stormed after Silva early, secured a takedown and spent the entire round in top position landing unanswered punches and elbows.
The second round proved to be a completely different story, as Silva fought off the takedown attempts and utilized his otherworldly striking to earn the TKO stoppage.
With the win, Silva extended his UFC record for most consecutive title defenses to 10. He plans to continue fighting as long as the UFC keeps throwing worthy challengers his way.
The future is a bit more clouded for Sonnen.
Some reports indicate the possibility of the “Oregon Gangster” hanging up his gloves and retiring from fighting.
Has the MMA world seen the last of Chael Sonnen?
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com