Partial Credit: Raj Giri
– It was billed as one of the biggest rematches in MMA history, as Anderson Silva defended his UFC middleweight title against Chael Sonnen. While Silva would go on to successfully defeat Sonnen for the second time, the build up was something like the sport had never seen before. Sonnen continually attacked Silva in the media and during interviews, while “The Spider” finally went on the offensive the closer the fight got. Now, as part of a Jay-Z web series, you can get another inside look at the rivalry in STATIC: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen.
Silva was one of the producers for the seven-minute video which features interviews with both fighters and many others. Roy Jones, Jr., who has been trying to secure a boxing fight with Silva, does the commentary.
– Ed Soares, the long-time manager for Anderson Silva, confirmed plans for him to return to the Octagon. Soares even hinted at who “The Spider” could be matched up against during an interview on The MMA Hour Monday.
“He’s definitely coming back. He’s feeling good, he’s training hard. Everything is good,” Soares said. “We won’t see him back any earlier than the end of the year or, most likely, the beginning of the year. There’s always a chance (for the end of 2014), but as of right now, I think his mind of set on fighting at the beginning of the year.”
As for a possible opponent, Soares said, “There’s Michael Bisping. There’s Cung Le. Even Nick Diaz. Nick Diaz has said he’s wanted to fight him before. Nick Diaz wants to box Roy Jones, Jr. You could argue that Nick Diaz and Anderson probably have some of the best boxing in MMA, so we’ll see what happens.”
Silva broke his leg in December after a kick was checked by Chris Weidman. Weidman was declared the winner, earning his second straight victory over Silva and successfully defending the middleweight title.
– While contract talks between the UFC and Jon Jones remain unresolved, Daniel Cormier is taking the opportunity to make himself available. Cormier, in an interview with the Sports World News, stated he would be available to fight at any time if matched up with Alexander Gustafsson for the interim title.
“I know this will probably be unpopular,” Cormier said. “But if (Jones) won’t sign, whether it be for money or a lack of wanting to fight the kid, I’ll fight Alexander Gustafsson. But it should be for the interim title.”
Cormier (15-0) is coming off a submission victory over Dan Henderson and has been all-but-declared the next contender after Jones-Gustafsson. Last year, Gustafsson lost a decision to “Bones” for the title, and has agreed to face him again, with the bout taking place in August.
Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0602/576623/anderson-silva-chael-sonnen-documentary-video/#uqx1MIkWS2oVk462.99
