Chael Sonnen Reflects on His Fight With Anderson Silva- ""I thought I won"

Chael Sonnen, the outspoken MMA fighter, recently faced off against his longtime rival, Anderson Silva, in a boxing exhibition. The two fighters had a bitter history during their peak MMA careers, and this exhibition match was highly anticipated. Although the fight ended in a draw due to exhibition boxing rules, Sonnen believes it was a win-win situation for both of them.

In an interview with MMA media, Sonnen shared his thoughts on the fight. He felt that he won the first three rounds, but acknowledged Silva’s better technique and cleaner shots in the later rounds. Chael Sonnen emphasized the significance of the draw, considering that his previous two fights against Silva had been stoppage losses. He also pointed out that in their six completed rounds together, he had never lost a round to Silva—a fact that mattered to him.

Chael Sonnen Talks About His Fight With Anderson Silva

“I thought I won the first three rounds. I mean, you have to understand that he let me win the first round. He always lets me win the first round. That’s like, one of his strategies. He feels you out. He lets everybody win the first round. I did the same things in Rounds 2 and 3 that I did in the first round.”

Chael Sonnen says he is "most definitely" still undefeated after fighting Anderson Silva to a draw at #SpatenFightNight:
"It was three rounds to two. I thought I won that fight." pic.twitter.com/hqzzfi4fYQ
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 16, 2024

“But I slipped somewhere in the fourth round and then they brought the doctor in at some point because I had a bloody nose or something. I was like, ‘Come on, you’re making this seem way worse than it is.’ It was three rounds to two. I thought I won that fight.” Sonnen said after the fight.

For Chael Sonnen, the draw was a step in the right direction, while Silva winning rounds was equally important. Their rivalry continues to captivate fans, and this exhibition match added another chapter to their storied history.