[BREAKING] Anderson Silva Should Expect To Be Fined For Weigh-In “Shoulder Jab”

STUDIO MMA, LAS VEGAS, NV — The highlight of the UFC 148 weigh-ins was not inappropriate behavior by controversial firebrand Chael Sonnen, but rather by middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva.  As they squared up for the stare-down, Silva leaned in and, with some power, struck Sonnen in the chin with his shoulder.  Dana White and UFC personnel immediately separated the two.  As Joe Rogan approached Chael for a post-stare-down interview, Sonnen was visibly checking his own jaw for injury.

This is the second time this week that Anderson has gotten too close for comfort with Sonnen.  At Tuesday’s press conference, the two fighters stood jaw-to-jaw before Anderson leaned in and said something provocative into Sonnen’s ear.  (BJPenn.com reported that the words were, “You’re gonna die.”)

Though weigh-in physical contact is common, observers close to the event are predicting that the Nevada State Athletic Commission or the UFC — or both — will fine Anderson Silva for the physical contact he initiated at the weigh-in.  In a freak scenario, the shoulder strike could have injured Sonnen’s jaw and put the biggest fight in UFC history in jeopardy.  Our sources suggest that officials will take action in order to discourage such behavior in the future.

Dana White has previously conveyed his disapproval of such behavior, notably criticizing the handling of a debacle that occurred during the pre-fight Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz press conference that saw Mayweather physically choke his challenger as boxing promotion officials watched on without intervening.

Though observers can only speculate, estimates of the amount of a potential fine for such behavior range from $10,000 to $50,000.  This, of course, is just a drop in the bucket of what Silva is earning as a result of his participation in UFC 148.

Photo: UFC.com