Rivalry between Anderson (left) and Sonnen (right) is now a thing of the past. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
For many years, Anderson Silva x Chael Sonnen It was the UFC's biggest rivalry. Throughout this time, especially between the two fights between them, both won by the Brazilian, there were many provocations, insults and controversial statements by the North American. The tension between Anderson and Chael, however, seems to be in the past. During a live appearance on a TV show in which Sonnen participates, shortly after the triumph over Nick Diaz last Saturday (31), Spider's performance at UFC 183 was praised by his former enemy and he made a point of returning the kind words, thanking him for transforming his life.
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“I was amazed to see you moving so well at the end of the fight and, personally, I wanted to say that it was very inspiring. I believe you won one for all of us elders tonight. I would just like to say: 'thank you very much'”, said Sonnen, during the program “Sportscenter”, on the North American channel “ESPN”. “I have to thank you, man. Thank you, because you are part of this sport. People need to respect you. I must respect you, because you changed everything in my life. I thank you, you have changed for everyone. You were the best fight (I had) in the UFC,” Anderson responded.
Anderson Silva e Chael Sonnen they faced each other in August 2010. After provoking his rival a lot, including hurling harsh words at Brazil, Chael managed to dominate the fight for more than five rounds and was very close to shocking the world and winning the middleweight belt. However, with just over three minutes remaining in the duel, Anderson managed to finish it off with a triangle choke that remains in the history of the sport to this day. After years of waiting, in July 2012, the long-awaited rematch between them finally took place. However, this time, Spider left no room for doubt and won by technical knockout in the second round.
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