Wanderlei Silva Says He Is Clean, Wants Luke Rockhold Fight In Brazil
UFC and Pride FC fan favorite Wanderlei Silva was recently embroiled in one of the shadiest situations of 2014; a triangle of failed, or avoided, drug tests between ‘The Axe Murderer’, Chael Sonnen and Vitor Belfort led to bungled main events, rescheduled fights, and ended careers in the UFC.
For his part, Silva appeared before the NSAC in a hearing to try and straighten everything out, and it seems that the matter has come to an end. Speaking recently with Tatame, translated by yours truly, Silva says he is cleared to fight, and even stakes a claim for his next opponent in the UFC:
“Life is great. I’m training well. I did a test of my own in Brazil, June 6, to see if the diuretics had left the body. I tested the testosterone too. At my age, the level is 180, and mine is 160 . I’m Completely clean and ready to fight ASAP. I’m just waiting for the UFC to say the day and the location. In two months, I’ll be ready to fight. I’d really like to catch Sonnen, but he is out. Belfort could be, why not? He wins the belt and Weidman fight me. Everyone wants to see this fight. I’m challenging the challenger (laughs). Like to face (Luke) Rockhold, a good guy, that comes from winning and former Strikeforce champion. I think I can put myself in the line of the belt. It would be perfect in Maracanãzinho (Brazil). UFC Rio 2, watched the event from the stands, and the locals gave a lecture in support of Jose Aldo, who knocked out Chad Mendes. It would be a dream fight in Rio”
With Chael Sonnen reportedly facing 0,000 in fines for failing multiple drug tests this year, could it be that avoiding a dope test altogether comes with literally no punishment? I take the fact that Silva says he is ready to go in two months with a pinch of salt, and wouldn’t put money on that fact until the promotion confirms it.
As UFC president Dan White has said on ‘The Phenom’ in the past; ‘home tests don’t mean anything’. Until ‘The Axe Murderer’ is tested and cleared by the athletic commissions, he will not be stepping foot inside the octagon. The promotion is supporting Vitor Belfort in his plight to return to action, but can the same be said for Silva?
As far as facing Luke Rockhold in his next bout, well I wouldn’t hold your breath. Unless the former Strikeforce champ has an axe to grind with Silva, I’d expect him to look towards getting a fight with more title implications. What do you make of Silva’s claims that he is clean and ready to fight?
