One of the biggest jokes leading into UFC 148’s fight between Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva was a joke made by Sonnen about Silva and his wife. The joke had to do with Silva’s wife making Sonnen a medium-rare steak and another action having to do with Sonnen smacking her on the behind.
It was a joke that was often brought up in interviews. Silva even made the remark in the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan that, although Sonnen had been very disrespectful to Silva, he would like to have the brash American over for a barbecue.
Fast-forward to within the past two weeks, when Dana White stated that Fox loves Sonnen and want to work with him further. Initially, the first thought that came to my head was, “Okay, they want Sonnen to be an analyst and to work on the Fox pre-fight shows.”
But then I got to thinking more. How great would it be if Fox had an hour special where Silva cooked out with Sonnen and discussed an upcoming event like the eventual UFC on Fox 5?
Not only would it check the cookout off the list that Silva said he would like to have with Sonnen, but it would be an absolute ratings draw that could involve legitimate back-and-forth between the champion and former challenger.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re probably saying, “Riley, you are crazy. This would never happen. There would be too much risk for a fight breaking out or Sonnen disrespecting Silva or his family further. Insert typical Bleacher Report writer bashing here.”
While I agree that I am a little touched in the head and there is the risk of a confrontation or disrespectful talk, Sonnen is more of a professional than you think. Given the circumstances of this potential event, which I completely thought of on my own, I think Sonnen would have his usual humor, while respecting his former opponent for the time slot.
I mean, just picture it. The two men are discussing a matchup, and when that discussion concludes, someone walks up to Sonnen and hands him a steak. He cuts it open and it’s medium-rare, just how he likes it.
That reaction would be pure gold and would continue a joke that has garnered much attention.
Further than that, the segment may ease some of the burn that Sonnen has caused to not only Silva, but the Brazilian community. Seeing the former enemies sharing some food, offering insight on fights and showing mutual respect could be big for ratings, huge for the sport and therapeutic to the rift caused by two fight build-ups.
I think it can be done. I think it can be successful. Remember, this is a wild, out-of-right-field idea that will likely never happen.
I, for one, would watch it with delight.
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