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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
It looks like Chael Sonnen will get his immediate rematch after all.
UFC President Dana White on Tuesday morning said that a rematch between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen is the fight he's looking at putting together next, confirming a post from Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times on Twitter.
Pugmire stated the rematch of their bout from UFC 117 was in the works for the UFC's New Years Eve show or the Super Bowl weekend show, depending on the status of Silva's rib injury and how long it takes him to recover.
Then, on ESPN's Sportscenter, White stated that's what he's looking at for both of them.
"Yeah, I think that's the fight that the fans want to see,
said White, in studio in Bristol, Conn. to promote this weekend's UFC 118 event. "The way that I see my job is my job is to give the fans the fights that they want to see. We've got some interesting fights in that division - Vitor Belfort is still out there - [but] I'm looking toward the Chael Sonnen rematch."
White also addressed the erratic nature of Silva, but says he's always believed in him as a fighter.
"I've never not been a believer," he said. "I look at this guy like an artist - is he bored, did he not train? What's wrong with this guy? All I wanted was the old Anderson Silva back, and Chael Sonnen I think might have lit a fire under him. I think we'll see a very impressive Anderson Silva in his next fight."
Penick's Analysis: It wouldn't have been my first choice, but like I said right after the event if they decided to go with the immediate rematch I'd be just fine with it. I would have liked to see Sonnen vs. Belfort, but I think this means we'll get Belfort-Okami for the next shot, and with how dominant Chael was through four and a half rounds it will make for a very good rematch. We'll see if Silva can finish him quicker this time, or if Chael can find a way to finish Silva or be perfect for 25 minutes instead of 22. It should be a big, big rematch, and it's definitely one people want to see.
Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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