During the latest edition of his “You’re Welcome” podcast, former UFC title contender and ESPN’s new MMA analyst Chael Sonnen explained why he feels Anderson Silva isn’t as good as people say he is.
While talking to his guest this week, Nate Diaz, Sonnen explained why he feels Nick Diaz, who fights Silva at UFC 183 in January, will have an easier time with him than he did with Georges St-Pierre and other past opponents.
“Your brother’s been in there with Georges St-Pierre,” said Sonnen. “I fought Anderson Silva before and I’ve worked out with Georges St-Pierre and I had a much harder time with St-Pierre. That was my experience. Styles come into it, but St-Pierre was far superior of an athlete and a fighter. I think your brother has been in harder fights. I guess that’s my point and I think that’s going to help him.”
Sonnen elaborated, noting that people make Silva out to be a much better fighter than he truly is.
“I don’t think [Nick Diaz] knows that,” said Sonnen. “I don’t think he’s going to realize that until a few minutes out there. Anderson Silva is very good, this is not meant to be a knock on Anderson Silva. He is not as good as they say he is. That’s also a true statement. When guys go out there and fight him they will come away with that opinion.”
Sonnen concluded, “I don’t mean to bash Anderson Silva,” said Sonnen. “I think the guy’s fantastic. All I’m saying is he’s not as good as they say he is. If you’re going to call a guy ‘The greatest of all time’ you need to be real careful with that dialogue.”
Nick Diaz fights Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC 183, which takes place on January 31, 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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