Chael Sonnen Confirmed As Next Opponent For Anderson Silva

Whether Anderson Silva likes it or not, a rematch with perpetual rival Chael Sonnen appears to be next on the champion's docket. UFC President Dana White confirmed the suspicions of many, announcing the matchup on Wednesday's "The Jim Rome Show."

"It's the fight everyone wants to see," White explained. "People want to see Chael vs. Anderson. Anderson is in this position where he feels this guy is so disrespectful he doesn't want to give him a shot and everything else, but Anderson will end up fighting Chael Sonnen."

Silva and Sonnen first met with much fanfare at UFC 117. To the surprise of the collective mixed martial arts community, Sonnen appeared well on his way to dethroning the champion before getting derailed by a hail-mary fifth-round triangle choke. The loss has since become a source of controversy for the American, who has adopted the self-proclaimed mantle of "the people's champion."

A rematch between the two has been discussed since Sonnen infamously called out Silva after ripping through rising middleweight Brian Stann at UFC 136.

"Anderson Silva, you absolutely suck," Sonnen declared to 16,164 fans in Houston's Toyota Center. "Super Bowl weekend, the biggest rematch in the history of the business. I'm calling you out Silva, but we're upping the stakes. I beat you, you leave the division. You beat me, and I will leave the UFC forever."

Sonnen has since backtracked from those brash claims, but hasn't slowed his relentless verbal crusade towards "The Spider" and his manager, Ed Soares. Now, it seems, the publicity has paid off.

White has yet to confirm a date for the rematch, but implied it would take place in early 2012. Midway through the video below, the UFC President revealed a venue or host country has yet to be decided as well.