Paulo Filho vs Chael Sonnen rematch set for WEC 36 on September 10

[Tony]

Perhaps the most anticipated rematch in WEC history will finally take place on September 10 when Paulo Filho (16-0) puts his 185-pound title on the line against Chael Sonnen (20-9) at WEC 36, according to Tatame.com.

No exact location or venue is known at this time.

The two met last December in a fight that Sonnen clearly dominating through the first round. He set a torrid pace and seemed to be well on his way to winning the fight. However, in the second Filho sunk in a tight a tight armbar that forced Sonnen to verbally tap with just five seconds remaining on the clock.

Sonnen was visibly upset when the referee called a halt to the action, claiming that he never verbally tapped — it was just a scream.

Controversy ensued and the promotion responded with scheduling an immediate rematch in March 2008. However, Filho had to withdraw from the bout because of a substance abuse problem (Rupinal) that stemmed from depression.

He has since received treatment for the chemical dependency; however, he has not competed since the fight with Sonnen in late 2007.

Sonnen — rather than sit idle and wait — took a dangerous fight with Brian Baker at WEC 33, defeating the game competitor via unanimous decision to secure a second meeting with Filho.

This is going to truly test the undefeated Brazilian, coming into this fight off a long layoff against a guy who gave him everything he could handle the first time around. Sonnen will be out to prove that the initial encounter wasn’t a fluke and Filho will look to do the complete opposite.

[Tony]

Filho maakt dus toch zijn rentree.... we zullen zien..