XFC receives endorsement from Wanderlei Silva and wants to promote a fight against Sonnen in Brazil

Wand (right) and Sonnen (left) should have faced each other in the UFC after training in TUF. Photo: UFC

During the first half of 2014, the duel between Wanderlei Silva e Chael Sonnen It was one of the most anticipated MMA fights by Brazilian fans. However, after a series of problems with anti-doping tests, the duel between the TUF Brasil 3 coaches ended up not happening and the rivals are now retired. But, who would have thought, the long-awaited duel planned for the UFC Octagon could now take place in another venue: XFC. The proposal was made by the organization's president Myron Molotky during the seventh edition of the event, held last weekend, and which featured Wanderlei as the official commentator.

“Do you think it’s a good one, Wanderlei? I would like you to say goodbye here in our organization, since this is one of the greatest in the history of MMA”, asked the director, who later heard from Wand that he is stopped “at this moment” and that “you never know ” if a return to the ring is possible. However, when asked about the chance to finally face Chael Sonnen in the XFC hexagon, the “Mad Dog” abandoned his evasive tone and was direct in his response. “If he accepts, why not? I am here. Come and have it! (Sonnen) Train, this will happen”, he challenged.

Despite Wanderlei's good will, it is highly unlikely that the duel between him and Chael Sonnen actually come to fruition. The American is currently serving a two-year suspension imposed by the Nevada Athletic Commission. The same entity banned Wand from fighting in the state for the rest of his life and, even though the Las Vegas body's decisions do not have global scope, its deliberations are usually accepted by other Athletic Commissions – or at least weigh in on the rigor of their evaluations.

Furthermore, even retired people, both Wanderlei Silva as Chael Sonnen They have contracts with the UFC and would have to be released by the organization to perform in a rival event. Given the magnitude of a hypothetical fight between the Brazilian and the North American, it is difficult to imagine that Dana White & Co. will give this spoonful to the competition.

At 38, Wanderlei Silva has a record of 35 wins, 12 losses, one draw and one unsuccessful fight. Former middleweight champion of the extinct PRIDE, the “Crazy Dog” had his last professional fight in March 2013, when he beat Brian Stann in the main fight of UFC on FUEL TV 8. Officially retired, the Brazilian was recently linked to another speculation about his return, in a fight against former UFC Phil Baroni on New Year's Eve in Japan.

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