• Anderson Silva v Chael Sonnen

Dana White confirms Sonnen is next for Anderson Silva

ESPN staff
November 10, 2011
Anderson Silva will meet his biggest challenge for a second time, confirmed UFC president Dana White © Getty Images
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UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will defend his title against top-rated contender Chael Sonnen, UFC president Dana White confirmed on Wednesday.

"It's the fight that everybody wants to see. People want to see Chael vs. Anderson," White told the Jim Rome Show. "Anderson is in this position where he feels like the guy is so disrespectful he doesn't want to give him a shot.

"But Anderson will end up fighting Chael. The answer is yes."

White did not say when or where the fight would take place. Silva is currently recovering from a shoulder injury.

Sonnen nearly defeated Silva during their middleweight title bout on at UFC 117. He dominated Silva for four-plus rounds before submitting at 3:10 of the fifth. Since the loss, Sonnen has continuously taunted Silva, but after stopping Brian Stann in October he upped the ante.

"Anderson Silva, you absolutely suck," Sonnen said. "I'm calling you out, Silva, but I'm upping the stakes. I beat you and you leave the division. You beat me and I leave the UFC forever."

While the statement increased interest in a Silva-Sonnen rematch, the fight was never assured.

Mark Munoz strengthened his case for a middleweight title shot at UFC 138, when he stopped Chris Leben in the second round. He expressed his desire for a title shot, but White's recent statement quashes Munoz's hopes temporarily.

This article originally appeared on ESPN.com.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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