Sonnen rules out rivalry with Anderson: 'Wanderlei is my only enemy'

Sonnen labeled Wand as an enemy (Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/BellatorMMA)

seven years ago Chael Sonnen gained fame in Brazil for engaging in an intense rivalry with Anderson Silva, then UFC middleweight champion. At the time, the American and Spider faced each other twice, with the Brazilian coming out on top both times. Today, however, it seems that the feuds with the former Ultimate champion are behind them, at least for Sonnen.

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According to the fighter, his only enemy in the world is called Wanderlei Silva. Declared enemies since the recording of TUF Brasil 3, in 2014, the two will finally face each other: they will take part in the main fight of Bellator 180, this Saturday (24), in New York.

“I barely remember the rivalry with Anderson. It was so long ago...I remember there was a lot of animosity between us, but I only have one enemy on this entire planet and that's Wanderlei Silva. I have nothing against anyone, there is no other person I consider an enemy. But I like this rivalry, I don't think we all have to get along, we are fighters, that's our role”, he declared, in an interview with the website 'Combate.com'.

However, although there is rivalry and provocations with Wand, Sonnen is sincere when admitting that he respects Silva as a fighter. “He’s a cage fighter and I respect that. I don't respect these martial artists, who are all divas and have started to take over our sport recently. Everything has to be their way, otherwise they won't fight, there needs to be a million rules, a lot of money, they choose an opponent... I don't understand this and I don't think Wanderlei understands it either. You have two guys who want to fight, so come on: fight!”, said the American.

Asked about Saturday's duel, Chael assured that he will finish off his rival inside Bellator's circular cage. For him, even a possible rematch in the future is not ruled out.

“We'll see how this fight goes, I'll never get tired of finishing Wanderlei inside the cage. I ended him on TUF, as everyone saw, and I'm going to end him again on Saturday night. If he wants to fight again, I'm in. Wanderlei knows how to defend himself, we both know how to fight. I don't know how this fight ends, but I don't care. I’ll only be able to beat him for three rounds, so if they want to add three more in the future, I’m in,” he concluded.

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