In an exclusive interview with Submission Radio, Wanderlei Silva talks about his Retirement, lifetime ban, NSAC, his Legacy, never being in the UFC Hall of Fame, his relationship with Dana White, improving MMA, memories from PRIDE, the treatment of Renan Barao, MMA pay, if he’d ever fight anywhere else like Bellator, if he has any regrets, the #WARWAND hashtag, Rampage Jackson showing him support and more.
Often known as the Axe Murderer, Wanderlei Silva began his MMA career in 1996, back when it was known as Vale Tudo a.k.a. “No Rules”. He began making a name for himself after his aggressive Chute Box style, and got the call to the UFC after defeating accomplished wrestler Mike Van Arsdale.
In his first UFC run he suffered losses to a young Vitor Belfort and a young Tito Ortiz, before leaving to permanently fight in Japan for Pride FC. There his legacy truly began when fought and beat greats like Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba 3 times, Mirko Cro Cop twice, Rampage Jackson twice, Hidehiko Yoshida, Ikuhisa Minowa, Kazuyuki Fujita, Ricardo Arona, Mark Hunt, and many more.
Upon his return to the UFC, Wanderlei competed in a long time anticipated fantasy match up against UFC Icon and former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. Though he lost, it was considered one of the best fights of the year, and all time. Rounding off his UFC career, Silva had a few tough losses to Rich Franklin, Rampage Jackson, Chris Leben, however also had spectacular wars and wins against Keith Jardine, Michael Bisping in the UFC’s Australian debut, Cung Le in Macao, and an incredible odds-defying fight against Brian Stann in Japan.
Despite his controversies with the Nevada State Athletic commission and never having the ultimate grudge match against hated rival Chael Sonnen, Wanderlei Silva will be remembered as one of the most exciting, likable, and entertaining fighters of all time.
Whether it was watching him throw punishing knees at Rampage Jackson’s face, or shooting shaving cream commercials with Mark Coleman, the Axe Murderer captured our hearts and attention, and remains a legend and an icon of the sport.
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