Claiming Anderson Silva Is Better Than Chael Sonnen 'Is A Joke,' Says Sonnen

Chael Sonnen is an elite wrestler, along with one of the best talkers in all of MMA. As Sonnen prepares for his second encounter with UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, the Oregon-native reflected on the first meeting between the two.

Despite dominating for four-plus rounds, Sonnen fell victim to a submission hold in the fifth round by Silva, as the champion defended his title. Silva will look to do the same this Saturday night at UFC 148: Silva vs. Sonnen II from Las Vegas.

As far as Sonnen is concerned, however, just because Silva had his hand raised in the end, he didn't really win the fight.

"To say this guy is superior to me is a joke," Sonnen said. "Look at the statistics from the first fight. I outlanded him by over 200 punches, I took him down at will, I passed his guard at will, and I beat him on the feet, too."

Sonnen landed 252 more strikes than Silva back in 2010, hitting on a total of 320 punches, kicks, elbows and knees. He also executed three takedowns and kept "The Spider" on his back for 20 minutes.

Still, despite all the punishment, Silva was able to lock in a triangle choke and an armbar, forcing Sonnen to tap out with just a couple of minutes left in the fight.

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