Anderson Silva Speaks: Sonnen ‘Does Not Deserve to Fight Me’

Anderson Silva believes Chael Sonnen tarnishes MMA’s image with his antics. | Photo: Sherdog.com

After he submitted Brian Stann with a second-round arm-triangle choke at UFC 136 in Houston on Oct. 8, Sonnen immediately took aim at Silva and postured for a second bout with the longstanding champion. Silva overcame a four-round deficit to submit the brash Team Quest product with a dramatic fifth-round triangle choke at UFC 117 in August 2010. Afterward, Sonnen was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for suspected use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Silva did not mince words.

“He does not deserve to fight me,” he said. “I didn’t get where I am by being arrogant or teasing someone. In this business, there is no room for it. The most important thing is he couldn’t beat me. He also got caught doping, which is worse.”

In the interview, scheduled to air publicly on Sunday, Silva also criticized the over-the-top approach Sonnen has embraced in pushing himself and promoting fights. The 36-year-old Brazilian has won a record 14 consecutive bouts inside the Octagon and has held the 185-pound title for more than five years.

“He just tarnishes the image of the sport with his provocative ways,” Silva said. “I do not think he should be in this sport because he doesn’t have any emotional control.”