Video: Chael Sonnen issues heartfelt apology to Anderson Silva on 'UFC Tonight,' then tells him to kiss his ass

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 185-pound number one contender Chael Sonnen has been linked to Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva ever since the two engaged in a war that very nearly went the distance and caused the title to change hands at UFC 117 on Aug. 7, 2010, in Oakland, California.

Since then, Sonnen has been doing his darndest to fight and (possibly more importantly) talk his way back into a rematch with "The Spider." And after defeating Michael Bisping at UFC on Fox 1 on Jan. 28, 2012, Sonnen earned another shot at dethroning the man who many consider to be the greatest mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter of all time.

During an appearance tonight (March 6, 2012) on "UFC Tonight," Sonnen decided to briefly clear the air with his long hated rival:

"I've taken the time to write Anderson Silva a letter. 'UFC Tonight' has afforded me a few moments to share it with him. I wrote this myself..."

Check out the Sonnen's letter to Silva after the jump, as well as the video from "UFC Tonight:"

"(melodic music playing in the background)

Anderson, over the last several months, I've disparaged your name in an attempt to garner respect and attention for my own. That was wrong and I apologize. My actions were unsportsmanlike, they were uncalled for. Though they weren't mean-spirited, I do regret them. As you know, I've recently become the number one contender, which is a position that respectfully and immediately I am resigning from. I wish no further confrontation with you in the Octagon or through the media. In short, I surrender.

Signed,

Chael P. Sonnen

(music stops)

P.S. I changed my mind. Anderson, you can kiss my ass.

(laughs)

Include the obnoxious laugh"

Looks like "Uncle Chael" is not done antagonizing Silva just yet.

The rematch is tentatively scheduled for sometime in July as the main event for UFC 147 in Sao Paolo, Brazil. It is a card that is also rumored to feature the final showdown between The Ultimate Fighter (TUF): "Brazil" coaches Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort.

As Sonnen continues to agitate Silva and essentially trash talk the entire nation of Brazil, the question is becoming less about whether he can defeat the champion as it is a question of whether or not he will be able to make it in and out of the country in one piece.

Here's the video excerpt from "UFC Tonight," just in case you missed it:

For more on the "biggest rematch in the history of this business" click here.