Anderson Silva explains how Brazil’s view of Chael Sonnen changed. UFC legend Anderson Silva who recently commended Khalil Rountree for his tribute following his Ufc 307 performance says that Brazilian fans now see Chael Sonnen differently and more positively after their exhibition boxing match in Brazil last year.
Once fierce rivals in the cage, Silva says the encounter showed the “real Chael” and helped reshape how many people in his home country view the American. For years, Silva and Sonnen shared one of MMA’s most memorable rivalries. They fought twice for the UFC middleweight title, including their first bout in 2010, a dramatic fight where Silva came from behind to win by triangle choke, and met again at UFC 148 in 2012, where Silva finished Sonnen by strikes.
During that era, Sonnen was often seen as the antagonist, especially among Brazilian fans who rooted passionately for Silva. But that narrative has changed. In June 2024, Silva and Sonnen faced off again in a five-round exhibition boxing match in Brazil, which ended in a no-decision draw. The bout, held outside MMA rules and treated as a showcase rather than a competition with an official winner, allowed fans to see a different side of Sonnen on Brazilian soil.
Silva recounts the experience facing Sonnen in a boxing match, and why he was excited to fight Weidman again. Silva explained that many in Brazil had long believed Sonnen to be a villain because of their rivalry, but the sport helped shift those impressions
“Well, it was so amazing, brother,” Silva told MMA Fighting. “It’s so interesting because the people never [expected] to [see] Chris or Chael fight [in] boxing, and the guys changed the game, and keep working and keep [proving] the difference between love and [not loving] the sport, this combat sport [game]: When you love, you do it. And [if] you don’t love, you never see the fighters again..
Silva also praised Sonnen personally, calling him a friend, a great father, and a family man , far from the character many had viewed him as during their intense rivalry. He noted that the shift in perception was amazing and highlighted how martial arts can transform not just competitors but also the way fans understand them.
“And I respect Chael a lot. He’s my friend. He’s an amazing father, he’s an amazing family guy, and I respect him a lot.” As time went on, Silva and Sonnen’s relationship shifted from enemies to friends, the 50-year-old Silva saw an opportunity for Sonnen and Brazilian MMA fans to mend fences.
“It’s amazing because sports do that, martial arts do that for us,” Silva explained. “I’m so happy because I [fought] with Chael two times [in the UFC], and when I accepted the exhibition fight in Brazil with Chael, I [was] so happy because Chael came to fight with me in Brazil, and the people, the Brazilian fans can see how Chael is a good man. He’s not a bad guy. “And this [perception of him] changed completely and a lot of people now know Chael , the real Chael and this is so amazing. It’s fantastic.
Looking back on their intertwined careers, Silva said the rivalry and later reconciliation showed the emotional and lasting impact that combat sports can have on athletes and fans alike. “Chael helped me change my life, and I helped Chael change his own life,” Silva said, praising the journey from enemies to respectful peers.. In the end, Silva believes time can calm old rivalries. What once felt personal has turned into respect, showing that even the biggest MMA feuds can change once the fights are over
