During Sonnen’s recent stint as a co-host on ESPN’s MMA Live, the outspoken wrestler confirmed his expected rematch against Silva would take place on January 1st, 2011 in Las Vegas at UFC 125 as long as the champ didn’t suffer any setbacks while his ribs recovered (with “Super Bowl Weekend” slated as a back-up plan).

“Last time I defeated the myth. This time I’m gonna defeat the man,” he predicted. “The only thing different is I’m leaving there with the belt.”

Sonnen famously fell victim to Silva’s hybrid triangle-armbar at UFC 117 with less than two minutes remaining in a twenty-five minute bout he’d dominated prior to the submission. The Team Quest staple is 25-11-1 in his career and had won three consecutive fights before the championship bout including victories over Okami and Nate Marquardt.