Although Chris Weidman took home the 2013 ‘Fighter of the Year’ award, Chael Sonnen thinks the honor could have easily gone to Vitor Belfort. A source of inspiration in the post-testosterone replacement therapy era, the treatment’s poster boy has found a true admirer in Sonnen. Now each 37, Sonnen says he and Belfort need to clash before either leaves the sport.
“To be considered one of the fighters of the year at 36 years old is awesome, but it’s also inspiring. It gives hope to people,” Sonnen tells Gracie Mag.
“I think outside of Jon Jones, Vitor is the scariest guy in the UFC right now. Vitor’s and I’s paths will cross. There’s two guys that for my career to be complete, I have to fight. It’s Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort. That’s not a secret. The UFC will tell you the same thing. It has a number of times. Sooner or later that will happen, but in between now and then I’m not going to lie about what an incredible job Vitor has done, particularly in 2013.”
Sonnen ticks one box Jul. 5 at UFC 175 when he settles a score with emerging heel Silva, but it’s unfamiliar territory against a Brazilian. Content with his role as the promotion’s chief villain, Sonnen insists it’s his natural persona that’s made him a wealthy man.
“I get asked all the time whether I’ve been misunderstood by the fans,” says Sonnen. “I have never asked the crowd for their approval and I will never start. I will never hope to walk into a room and be cheered. I’m OK with being booed. I will not pretend to be something that I’m not. I certainly won’t do it to win the audience over. I’ve been myself and with that said I’m the biggest draw in the sport. I’m the highest paid fighter the UFC’s had. Dana White just disclosed the biggest check he’s ever written after a fight was to me. I’m not in this for the money and I’m not in it for the fame, but I do believe a person should just be themselves.”
Source: www.mmafighting.com By: David St. Martin
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