Silva vs. Sonnen: The Spider Will Make Chael Sonnen Tap Again

In 2010 Chael Sonnen wasn't a priority for Anderson Silva, but a close call and a bunch of trash-talk has made Sonnen very important to the Spider. Silva versus Sonnen II at UFC 148, on July 7, is very personal, and the focus Silva brings to this bout will be bad news for Sonnen.

After their first fight, Sonnen was found with abnormally high testosterone levels. This failed drug test postponed their rematch, and resulted in a one-year suspension for Sonnen.

Sonnen suffers from hypergonadism. Thus, it has been ruled permissible for him to use testosterone treatment in moderation to treat the condition.

With the testing methods clear, Silva will make Sonnen tap yet again.

In their first meeting, Sonnen battered Silva for four rounds, but a familiar weakness reared its head. Sonnen has always been a target for submissions.

Seven of Sonnen's 11 losses have come by way of submission, including six of his last seven defeats. He's a wrestler by nature, but he has improved his striking over the years, but little has changed with his submission defense.

The major question for Sonnen will be if he's learned from his mistakes.

For a wrestler who lives and dies with his pressure and in-close contact, poor submission defense is a troublesome flaw.

It's especially bad against a fighter like Silva. The Spider is equipped with more weapons than Batman. Even clearly off his game in 2010, Silva pulled another trick out of his bag, tapping Sonnen out with a arm bar/triangle choke.

You can see the highlights below. The Silva-Sonnen highlights begin at 2:36:

Because of the emotion in this bout, Silva will certainly look for the big strike, but ultimately the fight will go to the ground. Sonnen is a very accomplished wrestler, and as good as Silva is in all facets, the Spider won't be able to keep it standing.

He won't need to.

Sonnen is 35 years old and has had submission defense problems his entire MMA career. It's his weakness. If he hasn't cleaned it up by now, he never will. 

Sonnen's pressure will again work against him on the ground, and it'll lead to his downfall.

He is a great personality for the sport, and a very good fighter. But all things equal, he isn't on par with the Spider, and now he's made him angry.

He won't like him when he's angry.

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