The first thing that comes to mind is the sheer volume of trash talk coming from Chael Sonnen, which is surely motivated by Anderson Silva’s emotional response to some things Demian Maia said pre-fight at UFC 112. Anderson filled that fight with antics such as pounding the canvas with his fists, waving Maia in, calling him a “Mama’s boy”, and overall acting out of sorts. While Sonnen isn’t the first fighter to use vitriol to try to get any edge no matter how slight, it’s his volume and veracity that is astounding.
Chael begun his trash talk shortly after the Maia fight by stating that “There’s people out there that need (to be) beaten up – he’s one of them. And I have a moral obligation to society to beat him up.” This drew the attention from fans and Dana White, and got discussions going. In some small way it contributed to him getting the title shot against Anderson. From that night, the talk never ceased and went from words to get a fight signed, to words to get a fight hyped. Unlike in the Maia fight, Anderson does not seem to be ruffled, or it should be said that he hasn’t shown that he is the least bit bothered.
Sonnen detractors believe this tactic to be one done out of fear or desperation. Knowing that he hasn’t the talent to make the fight competitive, and no one will be interested in the bout otherwise. By talking the fight “up” he can convince some naive fans to buy tickets and PPVs. 
Sonnen fans believe it just to be part of the game, where every little factor matters. He’s simply using a tool to get Anderson emotionally involved to the point that he’ll make a mistake, and one that Sonnen can capitalize upon.
Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, most everyone can agree that this fight will ultimately come down to which fighter imposes their strength upon the other or whether Sonnen (and only Sonnen) can hide his glaring weakness. 7 of Sonnen’s 10 losses come by way of submission (Heelhook, 3 Triangles, a Guillotine, and an Armbar) so many point to this as a weakness for Sonnen to be concerned about and it’s a valid one. Sonnen has been stringing together some big wins and seems to really have grown since his induction to the UFC. After debuting with a loss to Demian Maia, he went on to decision Dan Miller, Yushin Okami, and Nate Marquardt. Impressive to say the least.
Even though Anderson has a black belt in BJJ, his one career submission win coming by way of Rear Naked Choke over Dan Henderson, makes this an unlikely occurrence and certainly not a strategy Anderson would make primary. Chael does like to stand and strike, but it’s his pedigree wrestling that helps him win his fights. Effecting takedowns and a ground and pound that is more workmanlike and mauling than it is dangerous and finishing is a common method of his. Any takedown that he gets that lands him in Anderson’s guard will place him in that area where he is weakest at, yet it’s not a strength of Anderson’s. In this sense it’s not as bad of an idea as it may seem on it’s face. The guys who did catch Sonnen specialized and excelled at getting submissions in MMA. Anderson Silva is not that guy.
Nonetheless, it is his weakest area and one that is as dangerous as it will be profitable. Sonnen CAN win with takedowns and ground and pound and in fact it’s his only way to win outside of a freak happening, but it’s also where he is weakest. The cliche double edged sword indeed.
Anderson Silva on the other hand has only to keep the fight standing to effortlessly turn in a win, whether by exciting KO or boring decision. It’s as good as a guarantee gets. Chael making attempts to strike to set up his takedowns, getting sniped with punches for his troubles, and then really getting himself into dangerous waters shooting for a takedown is going to be commonplace. An occasional takedown will happen in all likelihood and THIS is where the fight will be decided. If Anderson compromises and stays and plays guard, he allows Sonnen to stay in the fight and potentially win, but if he works his way to standing and continues to do what he does best-embarrass anyone who dares to stand and strike, he will have his hand raised in victory.
Anderson’s detractors say Anderson’s weakest link is wrestling, and that this makes him vulnerable to a wrestler of Sonnen’s caliber. While this is true, it’s an area that Anderson has worked on quite a bit, and simply hasn’t needed or desired to demonstrate. His wrestling never had to be that good because every other area he possessed in abundance. Let’s not forget that it was a wrestler’s switch that got Anderson into position to finish Nate Marquardt, who is a strong, powerful, accomplished wrestler. There is a reason why Anderson is on everyone’s Pound-for-pound list, and on top of most of those-he can do it all, and is only improving.
I have to admit that I am a fan of both fighters. The horror-to be a fan of both fighters in a fight! And yes, a fan of Sonnen’s. I enjoy Sonnen’s work ethic, his wrestling and ground and pound are fun for me to watch, his grit and determination are admirable. His confidence is unwavering and means he will most likely not run away, or be so in awe or fear of Anderson that he has lost the fight before it’s even started like some of Anderson’s opponents have. I see his verbiage for what it is-an attempt to get any edge possible against one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport. When you have to fight against the likes and greatness of an Anderson Silva, you need EVERY tool you have available.
When Anderson Silva leaves his antics behind, he demonstrates a level of striking that leaves people breathless. It’s brutal, accurate, and devastating when unleashed. You know something awful is about to happen and you are overjoyed and feel privileged that you get to see it unfold in front of you. Let’s hope we get to see some of that come Saturday night. Let’s hope we see Chael put on a display of wrestling and ground and pound. Let’s hope we see some back and forth, up and down and a fight that wins fight of the night honors. Let’s hope Anderson snaps out of it and returns to his former glory. Let’s hope regardless of the outcome that Chael shows Anderson the respect that I think he deserves.
Regardless of whether you are a fan or hater of one or the other, how about just hoping for a fantastic fight?
Stumble it!