Sonnen spoke for more than 30 minutes to journalists in São Paulo. Photo: Bruno Ferreira/SUPER FUTASS
Already in the first episodes of TUF Brasil 3, it was clear that the rivalry between Wanderlei Silva e Chael Sonnen it was practically uncontrollable. During the selection of teams, in the third chapter, Wanderlei simply refused to continue with the program if the North American did not apologize for everything he had said about Brazil previously. In the end, Wand ended up returning and the reality show continued normally. The reasons that made the Brazilian back down, however, had never been revealed. Until this Friday (30). During a conversation with the press in São Paulo (SP), Sonnen said that the name of Vitor belfort was the trick to bring “Crazy Dog” back to the attraction.
“I'm going to tell you a behind-the-scenes scoop now, talking about things that didn't make it to air. When Wanderlei Silva went away, the producers came to me and said, 'Man, maybe you have to apologize or this show might end.' And I said, 'Guys, the only thing that scares the most Wanderlei Silva than Chael Sonnen é Vitor belfort'. Tell Wanderlei that I'm calling Vitor right now and that they're asking Vitor to take his place. Tell Wanderlei he can go home. They said, 'We can't do this.' And I said, 'You guys have to trust me in this situation,” Sonnen confided.
The North American also revealed that he went ahead with his plan. “So I called Vitor from the locker room. They filmed everything, you can ask Vitor about this story. And I said: 'Vitor, you can say whatever you want, but here's what I'm going to tell you: Wanderlei Silva abandoned the program and you will take your place'. And Vitor said: 'Man, I would love to do that, but I'm preparing for a title fight, against Weidman, I can't do that. But they accepted my suggestion and went to Wanderlei and said: 'Vitor is coming, ok. We understand if you want to leave.' And as soon as they said that, he turned around, went into the studios, tucked his tail between his legs and the show continued,” he concluded.
Se Vitor belfort was Sonnen's trump card to bring Wanderlei Silva Back at TUF Brasil 3, the American will soon find himself facing the “Phenomenon” in the octagon. After Wanderlei was cut from the fight against Sonnen at UFC 175, Vitor belfort was announced as his replacement and will now face Chael on July 5th, in Las Vegas (USA). According to the president of Ultimate Dana White, a victory for Vitor will qualify him to be the next challenger for the middleweight belt, facing the winner of Chris Weidman e Lyoto Machida, who duel in the main fight of the same event.
Check out the video with excerpts from the interview with Chael Sonnen:
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