Chael Sonnen‘s antics have grown on Brazilians, including UFC middleweight Rouismar Palhares, after it was learned that “Toquinho” turned down Sonnen’s request to prepare for Anderson Silva.
Palhares revealed to TATAME.com that the middleweight contender, who will challenge Silva for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 148, called his coach Murillo Bustamante and asked for some extra help but Palhares declined.
“He asked to train with me for Anderson but I’m not training anyone… Murilo said his coach has called him saying he wanted to come and train with me, but I said I won’t do it,” Palhares said.
Palhares said he declined the offer and he hopes to see Silva win.
“I’m rooting for Anderson. A fight is a fight… If he fights as much as he talks… Let’s see,” he said.
Sonnen won’t likely take offense to the Brazilian’s refusal to train him, but he did miss out on an opportunity to train with one of the most accomplished and credible submission grapplers at 185 pounds.
Sonnen lost Silva via triangle choke in their first bout at UFC 117 and enlisting Palhares’ services prior to the rematch would have benefited him.
Silva recently injured himself during training but he assured the minor injury will not force him to withdraw and he will be ready for July 8.
As for Sonnen, he’ll have to go back to the drawing board and seek another training partner.
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