Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen Agree to UFC Title Rematch

[VCURamFan]

From MMFighting.com:

Feb 5, 2012 - Chael Sonnen will get a second chance at Anderson Silva.

Even after Sonnen's recent and repeated claims that Silva would never accept a fight with him, the middleweight champ has in fact agreed to once again put up his belt in an upcoming title defense, UFC president Dana White said on Saturday night. Sonnen has also agreed to the bout, according to White.

The fight is likely to take place in June, in Silva's home country of Brazil.

The first fight between the two took place at UFC 117 in August 2010. Memorably, Sonnen controlled the action deep into the fifth, until Silva pulled off a dramatic submission win. In the aftermath, Sonnen was granted an immediate rematch, but that was quickly derailed when he was suspended for failure to disclose testosterone replacement therapy.

Sonnen served a suspension and his since gone 2-0, defeating Brian Stann and Michael Bisping in consecutive fights.

In the meantime, Silva has continued his swath of destruction, earning knockout wins over Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami. After the Okami fight, the 36-year-old Silva addressed several nagging injuries, and he hasn't fought since the August 2011 date.

The exact date for the Silva-Sonnen fight is yet undecided, though the promotion has been scouting locations in Sao Paulo in June.

[Vizion]

Anderson has agreed to give his belt to Chael Sonnen - that's what the article subtext is here

[F34R]

Anderson might as well just mail him the belt now, save him the trouble of training, etc. lol

[Irish Pride]

I like Sonnen but after his match with Bisping how are you guys so sure of a win? Do you think Bisping just has better take down defense then Anderson?

[VCURamFan]

Originally Posted by Irish Pride

I like Sonnen but after his match with Bisping how are you guys so sure of a win? Do you think Bisping just has better take down defense then Anderson?

Chael had a "hard weight-cut" for the Bisping fight. I don't know what about it was so especially difficult, but I would hope that he works out the kinks & is better prepared for Anderson. Also, I think that if he expects to have an identical showing to the first Silva fight, he'll be sorely mistaken.

I think Anderson will have better footwork & be playing stic-'n'-move much more actively than in their first fight. Whether it was his injured rib or just poor preparation, Anderson pretty much stood right & front of Chael & just let him blast that takedown over & over again. On Chael's end, he seems less willing to hang out in the guard. In both the Stann & Bisping fights, he moved to half-guard & sidecontrol as soon as there was an opportunity (granted, Bisping great defensive grappling only gave him one such opportunity).

All in all, I think it'll be a good fight & I can't wait to see it go down.

[gnp]

Night night Chael enjoy your retirement

[JavierDLC]

This Should be a great Fight!! Hopefully its as entertaining as the first one!
That's unless Anderson gets " "Hurt" " again.

Irish Pride
Im not Sure he will win but I give him the best shot out of everyone. I know I will be rooting for him and I hope he pulls the upset in spectacular fashion.

Oh and as Unbelievable as it seems yes I think Mike has better Takedown defense than Anderson.

[VCURamFan]

Originally Posted by JavierDLC

Oh and as Unbelievable as it seems yes I think Mike has better Takedown defense than Anderson.

I would agree with this. Anderson's TD D is usually not being there (i.e. elusive footwork).

[rearnakedchoke]

this will be a great fight .. i think anderson wins again .. chael may be able to land a few takedowns, but won't be able to finish anderson and will get caught with some shots ... i'd laugh if he gets caught in another triangle .. but it is highly possible that he does ...

[Primadawn]

I agree. Barring further injuries, I think Anderson wins again too. But I'm looking forward to the fight.