Chael Sonnen Changes Story About “Hating Brazil” by Sharing Apology to His Mother; Recounts Getting Attacked by Someone Named Dida

Chael Sonnen, the former UFC middleweight title challenger, has altered his viewpoint on Brazil following his coaching stint on ‘The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3’ alongside Wanderlei Silva.

The coaching rivalry between Sonnen and Silva reached a boiling point during the show, culminating in a physical altercation between the coaches. Reflecting on this experience during a recent episode of ESPN’s ‘Good Guy / Bad Guy’, Sonnen clarified that he harbors no hatred towards Brazil, attributing this change to a surprising act of kindness.

Chael Sonnen’s Perspective Shift on Brazil After TUF Experience

“I don’t hate Brazil. What’s Brazil ever done for old Chael? You know, I spent a month over there one time. I got jumped by a guy named Dida. My mother ran into him in a hotel lobby in New York and he walked up and apologized to her. That is a true story.” [0:14 – 0:27]

Despite initial reservations about coaching in a country where he was disliked due to past comments about Brazilian fighters, Sonnen revealed that the experience turned out to be much more positive than anticipated.

Upon arriving in Brazil with his wife, Sonnen was escorted by security personnel to a bulletproof vehicle, leaving him questioning the necessity of such measures. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and kindness extended to him during his stay.

“I get off the plane with my wife, we’re going to baggage claim and there is six guys and they’re all in a row…they’re in the nice suits, they got the earpieces, they got the shaded glasses. They took us outside to a bulletproof vehicle. I just remember thinking, ‘If all of this is necessary, why am I here? What are we doing and why did I bring my wife?’ Turned out, we had the most wonderful time, they treated us so good.” [2:45 – 3:08]

This revelation showcases Sonnen’s evolving perspective on Brazil and highlights the surprising warmth he encountered during his time coaching on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.