Anderson Silva has quietly avoided Chael Sonnen since their last encounter at UFC 117 last year, despite Sonnen’s attempts to force a rematch out of the middleweight champion.
While appearing on a Brazilian talk show, De Frente Com Gabi, Silva finally broke his silence on the outspoken middleweight and said Sonnen’s verbal assault will not reward him a title shot.
“He does not deserve to fight me,” Silva said. “I didn’t get where I am by being arrogant or teasing someone. In this business, there is no room for it.”
Although Sonnen’s actions towards the Brazilian have been quite offensive, and rather personal, he nearly defeated Silva during their title bout and has been the only challenger to come close to posing a legitimate threat to the middleweight champion in a long time.
Silva, who has held onto the middleweight crown for five years, said Sonnen’s antics and approach to promoting a bout are unprofessional and there should be no tolerance for it.
“He just tarnishes the image of the sport with his provocative ways,” he said. “I do not think he should be in this sport because he doesn’t have any emotional control.”
Following his win over Brian Stann at UFC 136, Sonnen earned the opportunity to challenge Silva once again. Only this time, however, he called out the champion and he requested a rematch to be scheduled for Superbowl weekend, traditionally one of the company’s biggest cards.
It isn’t likely their rematch will take place on Superbowl weekend, however, it is expected that it will take place in Brazil in January 2012.
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