Sonnen forgives Wanderlei, but admits: 'The rules are not wrong, we are'

Like Wand, Sonnen (photo) was also suspended by the NSAC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

During the end of 2013 and the first half of 2014, Wanderlei Silva e Chael Sonnen starred in one of the hottest rivalries in MMA, including a televised fight during TUF Brasil 3. However, the clash had a disappointing outcome, as the rivals never faced each other in the octagon, after the Brazilian escaped an anti-doping test and the American man was caught twice using illegal substances. Regardless of anything that happened, Sonnen stated that he forgives Wanderlei and that the rifts between them are in the past.

“Wanderlei didn’t do anything to anyone. Whatever he did or didn't do, he was preparing to do to me – I was the opponent in question – and I forgive him. I forgive him. It's the same thing with me. I wasn't trying to take anything from anyone other than Vitor (Belfort). I was trying to get the upper hand on him. When everything came to light, I called Vitor and he forgave me. He said, 'I forgive you. We're fine'”, said the loudmouth, in an interview with the “MMA Fighting” website. “I think he (Wand) was a very significant presence in this sport and I think that's how he will be remembered,” he added.

Despite the appeasing speech, Sonnen admitted his and Wanderlei's guilt in the problems with the Nevada Athletic Commission, which culminated in his suspension for two years and the Brazilian's ban for life from fighting in the North American state. “I don’t like the way things turned out with him. It's unfortunate, but we are wrong. The rules aren't wrong, we are. And that's it. We have to adapt. Head kicks were cool on the ground too, but they aren't anymore and we can't perform them. I am one wrestler. The wrestlers They used to make a living by falling people down and headbutting them. Headbutting has become illegal and you can't headbutt someone else. Rules are rules. They are good and we have to follow them, that’s it,” she concluded.