Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen gave fans some of the greatest MMA action during their prime in the UFC. Years after their retirement, both fighters recently had the opportunity to reprise their rivalry. This time inside a squared ring. However, what was advertised as a worthwhile bout between Sonnen and Silva became a lackluster scrap.
Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva took each other for a five-round boxing bout in Sao Paulo. Both fighters looked dull from the get-go, and Sonnen almost did not use any power on his strikes. While the ‘Spider’ showed his iconic head movement and distance management, it didn’t really matter. The bout ended in a disappointing draw at the end of five rounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSTEOLZHh3I
Silva transitioned to a full-time boxing career a few years back and got into some high-profile bouts. It also included a bout against YouTuber turned-boxer Jake Paul, which he lost. On the other hand, Sonnen has been out of action for a long time. The announcement of the Sonnen vs. Silva boxing contest was unexpected and met with much criticism from fans and experts.Â
However, despite inactivity, Sonnen was confident about his chances against Silva and wanted to avenge his previous losses. Sonnen did a great job promoting the fight, even taking the help of his son. However, all those claims and promises fell flat once both the fighters were inside the ring. It has created a wave of backlash on the internet.
Fans react to Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen’s disappointing boxing boutÂ
Both Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva are pretty popular among fight fans. As a result, it was an anticipated fight. On top of it, their old rivalry was used to promote the fight among the Brazillian crowd. However, the reality was way different when two fighters close to their 50s engaged in a boxing bout.
Fans show dissatisfaction over Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen’s boxing bout (via X)
The lack of intensity shown by the legends in the bout was quite evident. This prompted fans to criticize the fighters for their boring fight openly. Here are some reactions from X users.Â
Shout out Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen making millions for that fake boxing fight they just had. #SilvavsSonnen
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) June 16, 2024
Smart men. Agreed to fake the fight and get paid a shit ton of money.
— DMAN (@royaldman) June 16, 2024
Somewhere out there, people paid to watch this. 🥴
— MRO💥 (@officalmro) June 16, 2024
Why are these washed MMA fighters infiltrating my sport
— a roy (@abzzinhoo) June 16, 2024
Who let these grandpa’s box each other 😂
— mimicnature (@mimicnature) June 16, 2024
Two old guys needing a paycheck ðŸ˜
— Donald Exotic (@GitterMma) June 16, 2024
Fans of mixed martial arts expressed dissatisfaction with Sonnen and Silva’s lack of motivation. A lot of people said that the fighters staged a show in order to earn millions of dollars. However, given the current state of affairs, Sonnen might be wise to reconsider his supposed bout with Jorge Masvidal.
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