Chael Sonnen Blasts MMA Promotions For The Handling Of Anderson Silva

Follow Us

via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 31: Anderson Silva of Brazil reacts after his loss to Uriah Hall in a middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 31, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Anderson Silva is an icon of MMA and should be given more respect. That is crazy to say considering everything he has already achieved. However, his late-career has soured the taste in everyone’s mouth.
America’s Favorite Video Today
Chael Sonnen is particularly disturbed by the lack of respect given to Anderson, especially with how MMA promotions treated his retirement.
Promoters from Bellator, PFL, ONE and even Bare Knuckle FC have said they are not interested in signing legend Anderson Silva following Silva's UFC release. Japan's Rizin, however, won't shut the door on the 45-year-old Silva, according to a statement… https://t.co/eYoJ5d91Uo
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) November 27, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“That was a scummy move by a lot of the promotions. First off, they weren’t asked that question, so they took a shot at a guy they would have loved to have appeared in a period of time, who didn’t want to come there. He made his decision and hung his hat someplace else. Now they are looking to get some cheap heat by acting like they are above Anderson Silva and refusing a fight for a guy who hasn’t even offered his services.”
Chael added, “It was a little bit of a slimy move, not to mention cold-hearted. To say you don’t want him, that’s just a mean thing to do. So no, I don’t think we will see him fight again because those promotions are telling the truth. There’s just a much better way to go about it than the way they went about it.”
Anderson Silva: The sad swansong of a legend?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Anderson Silva has done a lot of damage to his legacy. This was by taking fights well past his prime and losing them. However, should we disregard the desire to stay in the sport and compete against high-level opponents? It is definitely easier to quit when your prime is done, but Silva continued out of passion for the sport.

via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 31: (L-R) Anderson Silva of Brazil kicks Uriah Hall of Jamaica in a middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 31, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
The way promoters have openly said no to Silva is puzzling. Silva going out of his way to get a promotion to continue letting him fight is also odd.
Providing feedback will help us make your experience better.
The Fan's Perspective
Enjoyed Your Read? Let us know how likely you are to recommend EssentiallySports to your friends!
Least Likely
Most Likely
Trending
4.5k readers Last 30 min

Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s Private Message That Made Khamzat Chimaev Shed His Tough Guy Persona for a Moment – “He’s a Nice Guy”
September 30, 2023 07:46 pm EDT

“Who Has Ever Outgrappled Islam”: Fans React As Alexander Volkanovski Surprisingly Picks Islam Makhachev Over Charles Oliveira as a Better Grappler
October 02, 2023 11:41 am EDT

“All I Do Is Look at the…”- After 14 Years of Doing Podcast, Joe Rogan Finally Reveals How He Selects the Guests for His $200M Worth Show
October 02, 2023 09:43 am EDT

“What a Monster”: Gordon Ryan Predicting His Recent Win Over Patrick Gaudio Days Ahead Leaves Joe Rogan’s Friend Shocked
October 02, 2023 12:44 pm EDT

“Maybe He Should Retire…”: Ahead of His Fight Against Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic’s Revelation on How Loss Against Francis Ngannou Made Him Want to Leave MMA Forever Leaves the Fans Divided
October 02, 2023 11:21 am EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The reason the UFC pulls the plugs on careers is concern about damage. Silva has taken enough knocks for a career, which is probably why the other promotions also passed on hosting his final few fights.
Silva does deserve more respect, but this entire situation could have been handled better by both Anderson and the promoters who openly tarnished his name.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT