Wanderlei Silva gives Chael Sonnen a lesson in respect *VIDEO*

Wanderlei Silva can appreciate the pre-fight trash talk Chael Sonnen used to hype his fight with Anderson Silva. However, “The Axe Murderer” had to let Sonnen know there were certain instances where he crossed the line, in particular his bad-mouthing of the Nogueira brother and his disrespect of Brazil.

Silva  told Sonnen:

“Like you’ve been talking about the Nogueira brothers. These guys are the history of the sport. We need to respect these guys. — The promotion is good, but you need to… These guys need respect, and the country, you know. We need to have a good conduct about that. Don’t do that anymore.”

It’s more than friendly advice though. Like if Tony Soprano was warning one of his captains about the omerta,

“Because that’s danger, no? In Brazil we have a saying… You have respect, you don’t lose your teeth. In Brazil we say that. Give respect.”

In no uncertain terms Silva tells Sonnen not to disrespect the Nogueira brothers or Brazil any more. He says they are a big part of MMA’s history and must be respected.

It’s a tense moment as Silva confronts Sonnen while sitting face to face inside the confined space of a car, but Sonnen handles it well and thanks Silva for pointing out his error. Whether Sonnen was serious or just placating “The Axe Murderer” it’s hard to tell.

Silva looks dashing in his suit and porkpie hat as he travels to Texas for UFC Fight Night 22. Silva is walking around on one crutch, not fighting on this card, but there to help promote the UFC and the sport. He, Dana White and Sonnen are heartily welcomed by state representatives at the State Capitol Building in Austin and presented with their own engraved gavels.