Anderson Silva Gives Chael Sonnen A Rose During A Bizarre Face-Off
Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen faced off in a promo presser ahead of their boxing bout on June 15.
The two will have a rerun of their UFC 117 and UFC 148 clashes in their five-round boxing fight. The clash will take place at 216, as Sonnen hopes to obtain his first win. In his previous two attempts against Silva, he has come up short. Silva has boxed three times before this, giving him a slight advantage. He has wins over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz. While that may be the case, his last fight was a loss to Jake Paul.
Pre-Fight Comments
“I’m going to be out there a while. I’m not going to go out and try and knock him out with my power. There is an expression in boxing and it’s very true, ‘If you look for the knockout, you will not win a decision. That was a mistake I made in the MMA fights. There was an urgency to get him down because I didn’t want to be stuck on my feet with him.
“I didn’t want to be in that position. I didn’t want to be in the range, with what happened to Forrest Griffin. I’d watched what he did to Vitor Belfort and so many other guys. With the bigger gloves, I’ll be able to calm that, but I’m not going to go out there and think that I can put pressure on him and make him quit. I’ve tried that twice, and that’s not the strategy to beat Anderson,” Connen said
“No, no, no. I’m not retiring, this is going to be my last fight in Brazil. I’m a little sad, I’m happy, but a little sad. This event is very, closed, it’s not for everybody. I’m excited but at the same time, a lot of fans call me and talk to me and send me a message ‘Why can’t everyone [see this]? Why isn’t this open to the public?’, I’m sorry guys.
“I’m sorry for that situation. But I think the whole team, they’re working hard to make a good show. I’m so excited, and I’m so happy. I don’t know [why you can only watch the fight in Brazil], that’s a good question. I don’t know,” Silva stated
Face-Off Highlights
As for Sonnen, it is his boxing debut. He was given a $2 million offer to box Mike Tyson. The fight did not go ahead as Tyson moved. Iron Mike will box Jake Paul on November 15 after Mike pulled out of the original July 20 date due to health problems. During the face-off, Silva seemed too friendly, even bringing a rose for Sonnen.
Full Card
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen — exhibition boxing
Esquiva Falcão vs. Hebert Conceicao — boxing
Bia Mesquita vs. Jorgina Ramos — MMA
Kalyl Silva vs. Paulo Roberto — boxing
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