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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Chael Sonnen verbal warfare isn't aimed at Anderson Silva alone heading into their UFC 117 showdown in Oakland. Taking aim at some of Silva's previous opponents, Sonnen also lambasted the man from whom Silva took the Middleweight Championship, Rich Franklin, during a pre-fight teleconference.
"The opponent just doesn't matter," Sonnen said. "That's what bullies do; that's what Anderson does. They pick their fights, and they take easy fights. Fighting math teachers from Ohio, and one-legged guys from Canada; there is going to be a tremendous difference when he gets in there with an All-American from Portland, Ore."
While the slight jab at Franklin and Patrick Cote was one thing, Sonnen took it to a whole other level later in the call, accusing both Silva and Franklin of "ducking" him while he was outside of the UFC.
"I challenged Rich for 18 months, and he never responded," said Sonnen. "I challenged Anderson Silva for four years and he ducked me every bit of the way. I challenged both of those guys and in the process I fought 12 guys in the Top 10, beat 10 of them, beat every champion in every organization there's ever been... I beat the Elite XC champion, I've beaten the Strikeforce champion, I beat Bodog's champion, I beat IFL's champion, I beat the WEC champion twice. I beat every champion in every company that's ever been, and there's not another middleweight living today that can make that claim, except for the UFC champion and the math teacher wouldn't fight me, and neither would the "Spider." But he's here now, and he's not here on his own free will. He's here because Uncle Dana made him do it."
That's not the only thing "Uncle Dana" has planned for the middleweight division, according to Sonnen. While he believes White has Vitor Belfort lined up for the winner of this fight, Sonnen says he's got a name in mind for his first title defense if he defeats Silva.
"I believe Vitor's in line next, though that's probably not who I would want to fight," Sonnen said. "I've got a guy in mind and I'll challenge him on the night of the 7th, but I think Vitor's who Uncle Dana has lined up as the next contender."
The talking will come to an end on August 7 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, and Sonnen will have his chance to back up every word he's said heading into the event.
RELATED STORY: UFC 117 PREVIEW: Chael Sonnen continues to win war of words as Anderson Silva shrugs off pre-fight talk: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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