On ESPN’s “Jim Rome is Burning,” UFC President, Dana White, announced that current Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, will fight number one contender, Chael Sonnen. The matchup was originally thought to be the main event at UFC 112; however, injuries from his bout with Nate Marquardt at UFC 109 prevented Sonnen from competing. Demian Maia replaced him.

White shared his initial impressions of the match up:

“He’s (Silva) got a real tough fight coming up. His next fight’s going to be against Chael Sonnen, and Chael Sonnen’s one of these guys who’s not going to lay back, not do what these other guys (did).”

Before MMA fans start to roll their eyes and immediately lambaste Sonnen, remember the he brings exceptional wrestling and strength to the table. Two qualities that former UFC fighter, Dan Henderson, also possesses. When Henderson fought Silva at UFC 82, he controlled the champion during the first round and nullified Silva on the ground. Unfortunately for Henderson, he didn’t employ the same tactics in the second round and Silva took control, winning the fight by rear naked choke.

A fight with Sonnen could play out in a similar way; however, based on his past performances, Sonnen won’t deter from his wrestling focused offense. He is more than willing to risk taking a punch in order to complete the takedown. While it may not be the most visually stimulating strategy, it does take his opponents out of their game.

Just ask Marquardt.

On the surface, Sonnen’s best bet to win the fight would be to grind out a decision. Not a dynamic approach, but one that brings results. Silva clearly has the advantage in the striking department and will likely look for the knockout; however, he does have a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, which is something that Sonnen has had problems with in the past.

“When he’s (Silva) been in this position when these types of fights have happened, it’s been against real good jiu-jitsu guys, guys that want to get the fight to the ground. Well, Chael Sonnen’s going to want to take this fight to the ground, but he’s going to double leg him and bring him down. All I can say is I know his next opponent isn’t going to be a guy who’s going to lay back and let him do stuff like that.”

White also had some stern words for Silva, making it crystal clear that his new style of fighting won’t make for a long career in the promotion.

“If he ever acts like that again in the ring, I will cut him. I don’t care if he’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I don’t care if he is the middleweight champion. I will cut him, absolutely.”

Not one to think before he speaks, White claims that he would cut Silva if necessary. While that seems like a terrible business strategy, it is obvious that White wants Silva to stop his current antics. Maybe Sonnen will be the one to snap him out of it.

White did not announce which event this fight would take place.

UPDATE: The Silva vs. Sonnen fight is rumored to be on the UFC 117 card in Salt Lake City, UT on August, 7th.

(source: MMA Weekly)