The longstanding feud between MMA icons Wanderlei Silva and Chael Sonnen has been squashed.
Silva and Sonnen’s rivalry was among the most personal beefs in UFC history with ‘The Axe Assassin’ taking nice offense to some disparaging remarks the three-time title challenger stated about Silva’s native Brazil and his mentors, the Nogueira brothers.
Issues reached a boiling level in 2014 when the 2 had been paired as much as coach in opposition to each other on The Final Fighter: Brazil. Throughout the manufacturing, Sonnen and Silva famously brawled whereas on-set in what has develop into one of the most meme’d moments in fight sports activities historical past.
In 2017, the 2 lastly settled issues beneath the Bellator banner with Sonnen squeaking out a unanimous resolution victory over the previous PRIDE middleweight champion.
Wanderlei Silva confirms ‘the rivalry is finished’ with Chael Sonnen
Whereas strolling the crimson carpet at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony in Las Vegas final month, Silva was requested about his legendary feud with Sonnen, who was additionally in attendance to see his inaugural conflict in opposition to ‘The Spider’ inducted into the HoF.
There, ‘The Axe Assassin’ revealed that the 2 males have since ended their as soon as fiery feud, calling Sonnen “ man.”
“If I encounter him proper now, we’ve a free battle,” Silva stated with fun. “It’s a joke. He’s man. I like him. The rivalry is finished” (h/t MMA Junkie).
Chael Sonnen fought three extra occasions in Bellator following his win over Silva, going 1-2 earlier than hanging up his gloves for good. The American Gangster’ just lately made his boxing debut in Brazil, squaring off with Anderson Silva in an exhibition bout.
Although the fight failed to live up to the hype, it was nonetheless thrilling to see two of the sports activities’ best stars — albeit for very completely different causes — meet the ultimate time.
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