It didn’t take long for Dana White to announce Anderson Silva’s next opponent: outspoken middleweight contender Chael Sonnen
White, who was outspoken in his criticism of Silva’s performance at UFC 112 last weekend, told Jim Rome on ESPN’s “Rome is Burning” today that Silva will face Sonnen. He also told Rome that Silva will be cut from the company if he puts on another performance like the one against Maia.
The bout will reportedly headline UFC 117, which is rumored to take place on August 7 in Salt Lake City, Utah. MMA Junkie reported the date and location after White’s announcement on Rome’s show.
Sonnen has crusaded for a fight with Silva for quite some time, and his upset victory over Nate Marquardt at UFC 109 secured a title shot. Sonnen has been Silva’s biggest critic, taking verbal potshots at the middleweight champion whenever he’s been given the opportunity.
“There are people out there that need to be beaten up, and he’s one of them. I have a moral obligation to beat him up,” said Sonnen last week. “He’s a dirtbag, whether he went out there and shook hands and was gracious or he didn’t. Who cares? It’s a fight. Go out there and do whatever you want.”
“I will do whatever I want. And when my music hits those speakers, I will make that walk and answer for my words,” said Sonnen.