Wanderlei Silva on his career and of course, Rampage

Published on: 1st December, 2008

Wanderlei looking to carry over his PRIDE dominance of Rampage at UFC 92  | read this item

Wanderlei looking to carry over his PRIDE dominance of Rampage at UFC 92

Former Pride FC Middleweight champion (205 pounds in Japan) and current UFC Light Heavyweight contender Wanderlei ‘The Axe Murderer’ Silva is by far one of the most dominant MMA competitors in the world with his ferocious style of offense and vicious knockout power that he possesses and is once again looking to make a run at a title in his second tour of duty with the UFC after having a successful career overseas in Japan for Pride from 2000 to 2006.

Silva who discussed his seven defining moments with UFC.com at one point during his young career after his loss to Tito Ortiz at UFC 25 and at that time had his doubts whether or not he wanted to continue on fighting leaving him at some sort of a crossroads.

“My last fight in UFC in Japan with Tito, it was a very small show,” remembered Silva. “And after the fight with him I didn’t have an event. I didn’t go back to PRIDE, I didn’t fight anymore in UFC, and in my mind, I thought, ‘I’m finished.’ I changed from PRIDE to UFC, but I lost.”

However; Wanderlei did continue on to fight and made a name for himself in Pride by going on a 17 fight unbeaten streak and defeating a who’s who  of the sport’s best in Kazushi Sakuraba (3 times), Dan Henderson, Ricardo Arona and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson who will be his UFC 92 opponent and also try to defeat the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion for a third time in his storied career.

Wanderlei also talked about the second time he knocked out Rampage back at Pride 28 and just how he dislikes his most hated rival.

“No change, I don’t like him,” said Silva of Jackson. “I’m a professional, but for me, fighting with him is not business, it’s pleasure.”

On December 27, at UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 Wanderlei Silva will be going for the trifecta by defeating Rampage once again and vault himself in contention for a shot at the UFC Light Heavyweight championship down the line in 2009.

Fan Question: Will Wanderlei Silva beat Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson a third time at UFC 92?

 Nelson Rodriguez AKA: Nelo2.0 is the Co - Owner of URDirt.com who is also an Editor and Author on the site. Read more from this author

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