W. Silva and C. Sonnen fought on TUF Brasil 3. Photo: Reproduction/Youtube
More than seven years have passed and the historic fight between Chael Sonnen e Wanderlei Silva in TUF Brasil 3 it still resonates. Protagonist of the reality show, along with the Brazilian, the North American ended up being a victim of the 'root style' of 'Crazy Dog'. In an interview with UFC, the veteran recalled the remarkable scene that took place in 2014 and talked about the behind-the-scenes of the episode.
In the images (see below), Silva appears visibly uncomfortable with Sonnen's presence. The Brazilian, repeatedly, was dissatisfied with the North American's stance, who promoted his confrontations by using provocations and well-rehearsed speeches. At a given moment, when they came face to face, confusion was inevitable.
“I kept looking at the cameraman and the director. I was opening the door for the guys (fighters) to come in. It's getting hot. They kind of wanted a moment like that. You need to understand that, from my perspective, it wasn't the first time he (Wand) had touched me. So I was very cautious,” Chael said.
After an attempt at dialogue, what seemed inevitable happened. After approaching Sonnen, the American ended up pushing Silva, who immediately got into a fighting position and, there, the confusion began.
“A lot of people say let the other guy throw the first punch. My father didn't believe that. He said that a fight starts as soon as the two are within gun range. You don’t have to wait for anything”, concluded Chael.
In the incident, Wanderlei tried to touch Sonnen's head area, but ended up having his legs grabbed and being taken to the ground. At that moment, the fighters exchanged punches and Silva landed clean elbows to his opponent's head. Finally, the reality participants arrived and separated the veterans.
The fight between the Brazilian and the North American ended up not happening with UFC gloves. Injuries and problems with the Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) ended up canceling the match.
The two, however, fought in 2017, with Bellator gloves. On that occasion, the North American got the better of the Brazilian. Abusing the grappling, Sonnen won the unanimous decision of the judges. Wand was close to a knockout in the first round, but the 'Gangster' managed to resist the Curitiba native's attack.
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