UFC NEWS: Anderson Silva says Chael Sonnen never deserved a rematch; gives him the benefit of the doubt on alleged steroid use

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
















Reaction from fans, fighters and more to Chael Sonnen's failed pre-UFC 117 steroid test continues to trickle in throughout the web, and Sonnen's UFC 117 opponent has now made comments on the situation, by not commenting much on the situation.

"I'd give him the benefit of the doubt," Sonnen said in an interview at Sherdog.com. "I let the people decide. I'm an athlete; he's an athlete. We worked hard for the sport, so giving him the benefit of the doubt would be better than for me to speak any kind of nonsense."

But it's what Silva had to say about their now canceled rematch that might perk a few ears.

"Sonnen should be thanking a Brazilian, who created the show, for the opportunity he has to fight in the UFC today," he said. "We can't disrespect other fighters. I submitted him because he spoke ill of the Nogueiras.

"In my opinion, he never deserved a rematch. He stayed in the same position all fight. I don't think he deserves a rematch. If he couldn't win in 30 minutes with me injured, could he win in a rematch? Maybe, maybe not, but I still give him the benefit of the doubt [on the steroid issue]."

Regarding that injury, Silva explained why he fought on despite knowing about his injury prior to the fight.

"It was carelessness on my part; my doctor gave me a earful for fighting with an injured rib," Silva said. "Everything was signed and had already been promoted. I was out of the country for a few months and away from my family. My grandmother died when I was away. Since I was away from my family, my friends, my home and my teammates, I felt like I had to fight.

"If I was there, it was to fight."

Link to video interview

Penick's Analysis: Silva's point about the rematch is a valid one, and one that was made for not making that the next fight in the first place. Their fight wasn't a controversial decision or an extremely close fight that warranted the immediate rematch. Sonnen couldn't put Silva away through 23 minutes and then was submitted. He lost, plain and simple, and having them not do a rematch would have made as much sense as putting the rematch together for the business reasons they did. But, it's a moot point now, as Sonnen's steroid suspension effectively cost him the fight and Vitor Belfort has been put into that spot.

LYOTO MACHIDA MACHADO JIU JITSU MARK COLEMAN MARTIAL