Wanderlei Silva Biography

Kickboxing UFC warrior aims to bring the art of the knockout back to Ultimate Fighting!

Wanderlei Silva: Profile & Stats
Full Name: Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205 lbs.
Classification: Light Heavyweight
Fighting Style(s) Used: Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Current Record: 32-8-1

Championships/Honors:
IVC Light Heavyweight Champion
PRIDE FC Middleweight Champion
PRIDE FC World Grand Prix 2003 Tournament Winner

Wanderlei Silva: Muay Thai
Born in the MMA hotbed of Brazil, Wanderlei Silva turned to martial arts for physical fitness, defense, and confidence. Wanderlei Silva settled on the traditional kickboxing form of Muay Thai and refined that with some street-fighting techniques as well. A short stint in the military also helped Wanderlei Silva add a deadly edge to his aggressive attack. With quick hands, deadly legs, and unmatched aggression, Wanderlei Silva quickly lit the underground fighting scene on fire. By the age of 19, Wanderlei Silva was a professional fighter.

It was in the no-holds-barred fights in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that Wanderlei Silva developed the brutal fighting style that earned him the name “The Axe Murderer”. Fans with UFC tickets would probably be appalled at the aggressive and violent brawls that occurred in the International Vale Tudo Championships (IVC) where Wanderlei Silva became a fighting god. Wanderlei Silva appeared in UFC for a short time, but he had trouble adjusting to the toned-down style and went 1-2 in this short UFC stint, including a loss to Tito Ortiz.

Wanderlei Silva: PRIDE
Fans with UFC tickets were still unaware of Wanderlei Silva as he made his move to Japan for the elite PRIDE organization. While competing there, Wanderlei Silva realized that he must add a ground attack to his vicious Muay Thai assault and began to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the legendary Gracie family. The Japanese PRIDE fans enjoyed the aggression of Wanderlei Silva, and he gained a strong following as he went on a rampage through the Middleweight ranks. Wanderlei Silva took the PRIDE Middleweight Championship in 2001.

Wanderlei Silva would hold the PRIDE Middleweight Championship for six years and usually defended the title by knocking his opponents out or forcing their corners to throw in the towel. The best in the world came out to face Wanderlei Silva, and each suffered a crushing blow that put them down for the count. The Axe Murderer’s massacre of PRIDE Fighting came to an end in 2007 thanks to a KO by Dan Stevenson. The UFC would come calling for Wanderlei Silva again, much to the delight of fans with UFC tickets, and a whole new roster of fighters had an opponent to fear.

Wanderlei Silva: UFC
Fans with UFC tickets were glad to see the brutal and merciless Wanderlei Silva back in the UFC fold. Wanderlei Silva faced off with “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell in his first UFC match, and the bout went down to a decision that favored Liddell. Wanderlei Silva was not bitter in defeat and said he fought for all the fans who bought UFC tickets to see him compete. He rewarded his fans and shocked the UFC when he knocked out his next opponent Keith Jardine in just over 30 seconds.

Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson:
The rivalry in PRIDE between Wanderlei Silva and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was one of the best storylines in modern MMA history, and each contest was brutal. Wanderlei Silva won both via KO, but Quinton Jackson always inflicted plenty of damage too. This rivalry returns at UFC 92 and fans will want to see if “Rampage” Jackson can finally top the Axe Murderer. UFC 92 tickets will not only please UFC fans but old PRIDE Fighting fans as well. The battle will be harsh, tough, and emotional, but fans with UFC tickets will not be disappointed in Silva vs. Jackson at UFC 92!