Chael Sonnen vs Anderson Silva II: 10 Reasons Sonnen Doesn't Stand a Chance

Very soon, Chael Sonnen will get his chance to rematch Anderson Silva at UFC...wait. What? The rematch hasn't actually been set yet?

(UPDATE:  As of last night, it has been. So, yeah...kinda makes my original lead a little outdated.)

After his wrecking of Brian Stann—oh, and his near-finish of Silva in their first match—more than a few believe Sonnen can finish what he started if (or, rather, when) given the chance.

As always, we shall see. But I think there is a case to be made that The Spider wins this one handily. Here are 10 reasons why.

10. Chael Sonnen Has Primitive Submission Defense

See not only the first Silva loss, but the seven other bouts Sonnen has lost this way—i.e., eight of his 11 career losses.

9. A Slight Mismatch in the Striking Department

If Silva can stuff even one of Sonnen's admittedly fearsome takedowns, Sonnen will immediately find himself swimming in a shark tank with a side of seal bacon glued to his face.

8. Too Much Trash

Sonnen has built this up too far, too high, too fast.  This kind of self-imposed pressure wouldn't benefit anyone, not even a consummate showman like Sonnen.

7. Lightning Doesn't Strike Twice

Sonnen had his chance. He blew it. 

It's like that famous line from "The Usual Suspects": 

"How do you shoot the devil in the back?  What if you miss?"

Which leads me to my next slide...

6. Anderson Silva Is a Learning Computer

Sonnen-Silva one was the first time The Spider had been pushed into the championship rounds—much less actually threatened with defeat—in years. 

No matter how he treats Sonnen and their first match publicly, there's no question Silva is working—and working, and working—on all those weaknesses Sonnen so helpfully exposed in their initial engagement.

5. Sonnen Isn't a Finisher

He has 15 wins by decision, and 11 by stoppage. 

Not terrible, but let's face it: at the end of the day, the guy's base is grinding. And the more time you spend in the cage with The Spider, the more danger you're in, my friend.

4. Chael Sonnen Is Poking a Pit Bull with a Stick

It seems pretty tough to get inside Anderson Silva's head. Chael Sonnen should know. Chael Sonnen has tried. And he keeps trying, almost every news cycle.

But it doesn't seem to work. In fact, it just seems to be fueling Silva's desire to destroy him.

3. Chael Sonnen Is Distracted

And wouldn't you be, too, with a three-ring circus around your head at any given time?  Seriously, when does this guy get any training in?

He's like the Chad Ochocinco of MMA.

2. Chael Sonnen Couldn't Knock the Wind out of a Bagpipe

I kid, I kid.

I know Sonnen has knockout power. It's only right and fair to point that out.  

However, those stay-busy, point-scoring strikes aren't going to cut it against someone as dangerous as Silva. You have to damage him. And that's hard, for anyone.

From what Sonnen has displayed in his career thus far, Sonnen doesn't have the dynamism in his hands or feet to get it done.

1. Anderson Silva Is the Greatest Fighter on the Planet

No explanation needed, I imagine.  No one stands a chance with Silva—until further notice.