Ed Soares and Chael Sonnen ... wtf??? hmmm...

A photo in which Anderson Silva’s manager Ed Soares is seen beside Chael Sonnen created a stir at the weekend.

Fans who have closely followed the rivalry between Sonnen and middleweight champion Anderson, who is managed by Soares, questioned why the pair seemed so friendly in the picture (below).

And fans were not the only ones with questions. Anderson used his Twitter account to say that he did not like the picture; he also obliquely upbraided Soares for recent comments about when the champion would next fight, and against who.

“I didn’t like this photograph either. I take this opportunity to say that only I myself can speak about my fights, my plans and career,” he wrote.

“I’m currently in therapy [to recover from shoulder injury] and as soon as I am definite with UFC my next bout, I will let everybody know.”

The posts, while restrained in their tone, nonetheless are a significant dig at Soares. They mark the first time that Anderson has ever publicly rebuked or disagreed with his long-time manager and with Dos Santos’ departure still a recent memory, one has to wonder what Soares makes of it.

Meanwhile, Anderson today launches ‘Anderson Silva Corinthians Academy’ in Parque São Jorge, São Paulo. The venture is being supported by legendary Brazilian soccer club Corinthians, which sponsors Anderson to the tune of $15,000 per month.

The academies are to serve as gyms for young people who would not otherwise be able to access such facilities. There they can enjoy a range of sports including soccer and of course, martial arts.

Eduardo Cruz
Fighters Only Brazil