Anderson Silva Looking Forward To Joining Chael Sonnen On TUF: Brazil

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will fight one of the biggest bouts of his life when he steps into the Octagon to rematch Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 168.

But it’s a foe of a different kind that wants to utilize “The Spider’s” talents rather than stifle them. Not too long ago, UFC light heavyweight and resident loudmouth Chael Sonnen attempted to enlist Silva for his upcoming TUF: Brazil season against longtime rival Wanderlei Silva.

Apparently that request has been granted. Ariel Helwani told Sonnen the good news on tonight’s “UFC Tonight:”

“Anderson’s Silva manager told me that Anderson told him that after the fight with Chris Weidman he wants to take a month off. But he will try his absolute best to team up with you on TUF: Brazil. He said he thinks it will be a lot of fun and he’s looking forward to it very much. How about that? The mega powers colliding.”

A team-up between Silva and Sonnen would indeed be a strange pairing, but it seems like the two have long since put their differences away. Their rivalry from 2010-2012 was one for the record books.

Now they are set to become teammates.

Sonnen, of course, is hated with a passion by many Brazilian MMA fans. The backlash is due in large to his constant berating of prominent Brazilian fighters, including both Silvas, the Nogueira brothers, and Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida. The focus of his bad blood is undoubtedly against “The Axe Murderer” right now, so Sonnen will need all the help he can get.

Sonnen was most recently seen getting destroyed by Rashad Evans in the co-main event of UFC 167, a fight where he didn’t put forth much of an offensive front. “The American Gangster” had previously righted the ship with a first round submission win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC Fight Night 26, but all told he’s lost three out of his last four bouts by technical knockout.

Many think that he should be able to corral the aging “Axe Murderer,” but nothing is ever certain when his wild-swinging tendencies come into play. The former longtime Pride FC champ was last seen sending Brian Stann into retirement in a “Fight of the year” candidate at UFC on Fuel TV 8 in Japan last March.

This fight may actually have some genuine animosity behind it, and the UFC had no choice but to book it. If he survives until fight time in Brazil, will Sonnen easily dispatch Wand?

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea for USA TODAY Sports