Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II: GSP Says Sonnen Is in the Champ's Head

UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre believes middleweight challenger Chael Sonnen is in Anderson Silva’s head, and that it could impact the champion’s performance at UFC 148.

It’s interesting to hear what other fighters think about Sonnen’s trash talk and Silva’s outburst, as they can likely appreciate each fighter's current position.

Here is what St-Pierre had to say (via SportsNet.ca):

"

He wants to get into Anderson Silva’s head and he did it. That’s what he wants, because when you fight with emotion, you don’t fight smart. The crowd, they love it. (Silva) he’s going to go crazy but he can make a mistake if you do that. It’s a big mistake. You have to go back to the reason he’s a champion; he fights smart, he’s skilled.

"

St-Pierre’s statement follows Silva’s outburst last week during a UFC 148 media conference call, in which he talked about wanting to damage Sonnen in an especially violent manner. Just a snippet, as transcribed by MMAMania:

"

When the time is right, I am going to break his face and every one of his teeth in his mouth. Playtime is over, the jokes are over. I am going to beat his ass out of the UFC. He is never going to want to fight again after I am done with him. It doesn't matter if I am on bottom, side or top. Chael is going to get his ass kicked like never before. What I do inside the Octagon is going to change the image of the sport. I am going to make sure his legs are broke and arms are broke he will not be able to walk out by himself.

"

It’s a topic that St-Pierre knows well, as he’s had to deal with trash talk from the likes of BJ Penn and Josh Koscheck, among other challengers. Retired welterweight contender Nick Diaz also has widely criticized St-Pierre, despite losing a title shot for skipping mandatory UFC pre-fight press duties.

It’s confusing to try and figure out if Sonnen is trying to promote a fight, get inside Silva’s head, or a clever mix of both. Either way, Brazilian fighters aren’t happy with Sonnen and will clearly support the current middleweight champion at UFC 148 this Saturday versus his American challenger.

The trash talk temporarily ends on Saturday night during the main event of UFC 148, with the UFC middleweight championship on the line.

Follow @MHatamoto