Soares Questions Sonnen’s Motives

Black House chief Ed Soares, the manager for UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, told Sherdog.com Monday that he thinks there is an ulterior motive behind Chael Sonnen’s newfound outspoken persona.

“Chael keeps talking about Anderson wearing earrings and pink T-shirts and country music hoedowns,” Soares said jokingly, proving two can play the trash talk game. “I think the guy wants to star in the next ‘Brokeback Mountain.’

“I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve a title shot,” Soares said. “He is a tough guy and he just beat a very good Nate Marquardt. He fought really well.”

However, Soares does find some fault with Sonnen’s resume.

“He just got submitted by Demian Maia and he really isn’t the most exciting fighter,” Soares said. “The only way Chael Sonnen’s fights end early is when he gets submitted.”

While it is apparent Sonnen will fight for the 185-pound crown, it is still to be determined who will be defending that belt when it comes time. Before the real Silva-Sonnen hype can get underway, Soares’ client must defend his title April 10 in Abu Dhabi against Vitor Belfort.

“We’re not looking past Belfort at all,” Soares said. “He’s a tough opponent with considerable skills. Truthfully, Chael Sonnen is the last thing on our minds right now because we can’t afford to look past this fight.”

Soares has taken some hits for his dismissal of a number of potential contenders to Silva’s title, but the champion’s manager says he is just looking out for his client’s best interests.

“We just want to be involved in the biggest fights possible,” Soares said, “and would a fight with Chael Sonnen be a big fight? Not really.”

That is not to say the Silva camp will try to block the fight, though. Soares also scoffed at detractors who state he is shielding Silva from any tough competition.

“This has absolutely nothing to do with protecting Anderson,” Soares said. “We will fight Sonnen if that is what the UFC wants, but, like I said, we just want to be in the biggest fights we can get.”

He may get his wish. With all the hype being generated after Sonnen’s pre- and post-fight polemics targeting Silva, the fight may indeed be one of the more anticipated of the Brazilian’s storied career.