Anderson is intimate with soccer. Photo: Mike Ramirez
Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion Anderson Silva is in the States getting ready for his next challenge in the octagon. The Brazilian is to face off with Chael Sonnen on August 7. Despite his distance from the Soccer World Cup going on in South Africa, the pound-for-pound great is glued to the tube and up on all the news regarding Brazil’s soccer team.
One of Anderson’s greatest frustrations in life is his not having been a soccer player. The Corinthians fan even tried his luck at club tryouts, but his calling as a fighter was stronger, and he didn’t make a bad choice. Regarding the game between his country and the Ivory Coast this Sunday, Anderson is rooting for two fighters in particular.
“We’re gonna win, right? I’m rooting for Júlio (Cesar) and Robinho. I’m rooting for them to win this one. I’m Brazilian and rooting for my team,” he told GRACIEMAG.com.
Although training and travel kept him from watching his country’s first game, Anderson is optimistic about winning the team led by Dunga’s chances of winning the match, thus guaranteeing they make it out of the group phase of the cup.
“I’m not going to predict the score, but I think we’ll win easy.”
As many Brazilian’s living in the United States do, the fighter will likely root for his team at a Brazilian restaurant.
“I’ll see what’s going on with the crew; maybe we’ll go to the restaurant of a Brazilian friend of ours. A lot of Brazilian’s should go and I’ll probably go to.”
He even trains MMA on a soccer pitch. Photo - Mike Ramirez
Not a thought about Sonnen
The last title defense Anderson Silva won – at the UFC Abu Dhabi show – the occasion was shrouded by controversy. The champion was criticized by many for his posture provoking challenger Demian Maia. Now the tables have turned. This time, challenger Chael Sonnen is the one provoking Anderson, who prefers not to enter the mud-slinging fray.
“I’m training here in America and things are great. As for statements he’s made, I have nothing to say. It’s all about training.”