Background check: Wanderlei Silva

Wanderlei Silva was born July 3rd 1976 in Curitiba Brazil. He holds a black belt in BJJ and is well versed in Muay Thai. He trains with the Wand Fight Team and his MMa debut was in Vale Tudo in 1996 against Dilson Fihlo, Silva won the match via knockout with an elbow. Silva’s record now stands at 33-10-1 1NC.

During his time in Pride Wanderlei went 15 fights unbeaten. He knocked our Rampage Jackson twice, Yuki Kondo, Kazushi Sakuraba twice by KO once by TKO and Guy Mezger among others. His first win over Sakuraba was for the first ever Pride MW title, a title that Silva defended 4 times before losing it to Dan Henderson via KO. Since 2007 Silva has been fighting for the UFC again (his UFC debut was in 1998 where he lost by TKO to Vitor Belfort) Silva has scored a knockout win over Kieth Jardine and a decision win over Michael Bisping at UFC 110.

Although Silva has lost 5 of his last 7 fights I hope he can get back on to a winning streak, he is one of my favorite fighters and has given the sport so many classic moments. A true legend and warrior of MMA Silva’s next bout is rumored to be against Yoshihiro Akiyama.