With his legacy on the line, Chael Sonnen believes he’s finally found the secret ingredient to defeat Anderon Silva.

Having shared the ring with the legendary Brazilian on two separate occasions, ‘The American Gangster’ knows the mistakes he can’t afford to make when he trades leather with his nemesis for the third and final time.

Chael Sonnen is ready to claim redemption when he fights Anderson Silva

When Chael Sonnen first set foot in the cage with Anderson Silva, he shocked the world, producing a mesmeric performance to win the first four rounds.

The belt the renowned trash-talker had chased since the very first moment he’d entered a gym, was within touching distance. But then, in a moment that will live with him for the rest of his life, he made one small error, allowing his opponent to lock in a triangle armbar that wiped away his dreams in an instant.

And while the popular grappler secured a second shot at his nemesis two years later, the rematch didn’t go his way either, with ‘The Spider’ securing a TKO in round two.

For almost twelve years, Sonnen has craved a shot at redemption that looked like it would never come. But now, the 47-year-old finally has his chance, with the pair set to square-off in a boxing match on Saturday evening in São Paulo, Brazil.

And this time, knowing the mistakes he can’t afford to make, Sonnen has a hidden trick up his sleeve.

In a video posted on his YouTube account, he explained: “I’m going to be out there a while. I’m not going to go out and try and knock him out with my power. There is an expression in boxing and it’s very true, ‘If you look for the knockout, you will not win a decision’.

“That was a mistake I made in the MMA fights. There was an urgency to get him down because I didn’t want to be stuck on my feet with him. I didn’t want to be in that position. I didn’t want to be in the range, with what happened to Forrest Griffin. I’d watched what he did to Vitor Belfort and so many other guys.

“With the bigger gloves, I’ll be able to calm that, but I’m not going to go out there and think that I can put pressure on him and make him quit. I’ve tried that twice, and that’s not the strategy to beat Anderson.”

However, while he’s certainly confident for his upcoming contest, there’s still an element of doubt lingering in the back of his mind.

Chael Sonnen reveals his biggest fear ahead of boxing bout with Anderson Silva

Throughout his career, the American has made a reputation for his remarkable powers on the mic. However, while he dishes out a witty one-liner better than most, behind his bravado stands a normal man with as many insecurities as the next guy.

Therefore, it goes without saying that all those doubts and fears bubble towards the surface when you’re set to battle it out with a man who’s already beaten you on two separate occasions.

However, in a testament to his authenticity, rather than hiding those worries, he’s talked openly and transparently about the one thing that’s really concerning him ahead of his final chance at redemption.