Chael Sonnen warns Diaz: 'Anderson Silva is not as good as they say he is'

Anderson (left) and Sonnen (right) have had a great rivalry in recent years. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

After a long time, Chael Sonnen he once again needled his great rival and executioner Anderson Silva. The North American, who has already been defeated twice by the Brazilian inside the octagon, believes that “Spider’s” skills do not live up to his great reputation in the MMA community.

Now a podcast host, the American retiree welcomed UFC fighter to this week's edition of his program Nate diaz, Nick's brother, Anderson's next opponent inside the octagon. And, with his characteristic objectivity, he gave his opinion on the former middleweight champion's game.

“Your brother has already entered the octagon with Georges St Pierre. I fought with Anderson and trained with St. Pierre, and I had a much harder time with St. Pierre. That was my experience. Styles also count, but St. Pierre was a far superior athlete and fighter. I think his brother has had tougher fights. Everybody call me before fighting with Anderson Silva. And I say: 'The guy is a good fighter, but he's not nearly as good as they say he is'. It doesn't come close. If you waste half the fight before realizing it, like you did Demian Maia, you won’t be able to beat him in a decision,” Sonnen said.

The North American, however, made a point of highlighting that he did not want to criticize the Brazilian, but rather analyzed his skills according to his fame. “I don’t want to belittle Anderson Silva. I think the guy is fantastic. What I'm saying is he's not as good as they say he is. If you are going to call someone the greatest of all time, you need to be very careful,” he warned.

The fight between Anderson Silva e Nick Diaz will headline UFC 183 on January 31st. The fight, which will take place in Las Vegas (USA), will mark Anderson's first time in the octagon since the fracture he suffered in the fight against Chris Weidmanin December 2013.

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