It sounds like Chael Sonnen was trying to get some extra insurance to deal with Anderson Silva's Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt skills on the ground.

According to a report from Tatame, the Republican ex-realtor had reached out to heel hook aficionado Rousimar Palhares about getting a little extra help in his pre-fight preparation before his UFC 148 middleweight title rematch, which is taking place in Las Vegas in just over a month.

"Toquinho," however, wasn't interested.

"He asked to train with me for Anderson but I'm not training anyone... Murilo said his coach has called him saying he wanted to come and train with me, but I said I won't do it."

Unsurprisingly, Palhares will be rooting for his native countryman when Sonnen fights for the title.

"Toquinho" kept it simple with his allegiances.

"I'm rooting for Anderson."

Obviously, Sonnen hasn't exactly been on the good side of many Brazilians lately, what with his trash talk of their hero Anderson Silva and legends like Wanderlei Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

The frenzy in Brazil got to the point that Sonnen even received death threats.

Palhares finished the interview with one last dig at Sonnen, which considering everything that the "Gangster from West Lynn, Oregan" has had to say lately, doesn't seem so bad.

"If he fights as much as he talks... Let's see"

Do you think working with Palhares would have actually helped Sonnen?