Chael Sonnen threatens ‘coward’ who KO’d rival Wanderlei Silva, with a hint of humour

The man who knocked out Silva has defended his actions, claiming he was simply acting in defence of his family. However, ‘The Bad Guy’ remains unconvinced by this explanation.

More than a decade after Sonnen’s infamous TUF brawl with ‘The Axe Murderer’, which only intensified their heated rivalry – and eight years after they faced off in Bellator – the American took to social media to stand up for his former opponent.

Sonnen even posted a direct threat to Rafael Freitas on X, calling him a “coward” and promising they would cross paths soon.

“To the coward that did THIS to Vanderlei…You f*****d up,” Sonnen wrote on X.

“Only I am allowed to make him look a fool. Have a care, dummy. I’ll see you soon.”

Wanderlei Silva said his rivalry with Chael Sonnen is ‘done’

Sonnen’s backing of Silva is not as surprising as it might seem at first, especially considering what ‘The Axe Murderer’ said last year.

Speaking to the media during the 2024 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Brazilian made it clear that he does not hold any grudges against Sonnen anymore and even said he has grown to like him.

“If I encounter him right now, we have a free fight. It’s a joke. He’s a good guy. I like him. The rivalry is done.”

Silva was honoured in the UFC Hall of Fame Pioneer Wing during that ceremony, while Sonnen’s first bout with Anderson Silva at UFC 117 was also inducted into the Fight Wing.