Post by Head Booker on Aug 18, 2007 0:25:15 GMT -6
UFC locks up PRIDE superstar Silva
Alex Marvez
FOXSports.com, Updated 1 hour ago
The Ultimate Fighting Championship finally has its "Ax Murderer."
The long-anticipated signing of Wanderlei Silva was officially announced Friday along with an unspecified December debut for a light-heavyweight considered among the greatest legends for PRIDE — the storied Japanese mixed martial arts promotion that was purchased by UFC in March after a scandal-plagued financial collapse.
UFC didn't announce Silva's first opponent, but Chuck Liddell seems like a natural provided he can get past Keith Jardine on the Sept. 22 UFC 76 pay-per-view show emanating from Anaheim, Calif.
The 31-year-old Silva has defeated such talent as Quinton Jackson (twice), Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba (three times), Ricardo Arona, Hidehiko Yoshida, and Kazuyuki Fujita. But Silva has lost both of his last fights, getting knocked out by Henderson and Mirco Cro Cop.
Still, UFC President Dana White gushed about the acquisition of one of Brazil's most acclaimed fighters.
"This is the pinnacle of my seven-year career in this company," White said in a UFC press release. "I'm so excited to have Wanderlei under contract. He grabbed my arm and looked me in the eyes like one of his pre-fight stare-downs and said, ‘I'm gonna fight so good for you. You're gonna see the best fights ever from Wanderlei Silva.'
"This guy is a real fighter. He reminds me of Chuck Liddell, and he's the kind of fighter that all fight fans love to see fight. He's a gunslinger. He will get in harm's way to inflict damage and pain. This guy comes out like a speeding train and never stops. He goes for the finish, he likes to knock people out, and I just think he's going to bring so much excitement to the UFC. I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin."
Silva last fought in UFC between 1998 and 2000 before he began working full-time for PRIDE. Silva was 1-2 in UFC action, losing to Tito Ortiz and Vitor Belfort while defeating Tony Petarra.
Despite having purchased PRIDE for a reported $70 million, UFC has needed to negotiate new contracts with the latter's talent roster.
Silva could ultimately be in line for a UFC light heavyweight title shot. Jackson will be defending that crown against Henderson on September 8 in London on a UFC special that will air on tape delay that night on Spike TV.
Alex Marvez
FOXSports.com, Updated 1 hour ago
The Ultimate Fighting Championship finally has its "Ax Murderer."
The long-anticipated signing of Wanderlei Silva was officially announced Friday along with an unspecified December debut for a light-heavyweight considered among the greatest legends for PRIDE — the storied Japanese mixed martial arts promotion that was purchased by UFC in March after a scandal-plagued financial collapse.
UFC didn't announce Silva's first opponent, but Chuck Liddell seems like a natural provided he can get past Keith Jardine on the Sept. 22 UFC 76 pay-per-view show emanating from Anaheim, Calif.
The 31-year-old Silva has defeated such talent as Quinton Jackson (twice), Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba (three times), Ricardo Arona, Hidehiko Yoshida, and Kazuyuki Fujita. But Silva has lost both of his last fights, getting knocked out by Henderson and Mirco Cro Cop.
Still, UFC President Dana White gushed about the acquisition of one of Brazil's most acclaimed fighters.
"This is the pinnacle of my seven-year career in this company," White said in a UFC press release. "I'm so excited to have Wanderlei under contract. He grabbed my arm and looked me in the eyes like one of his pre-fight stare-downs and said, ‘I'm gonna fight so good for you. You're gonna see the best fights ever from Wanderlei Silva.'
"This guy is a real fighter. He reminds me of Chuck Liddell, and he's the kind of fighter that all fight fans love to see fight. He's a gunslinger. He will get in harm's way to inflict damage and pain. This guy comes out like a speeding train and never stops. He goes for the finish, he likes to knock people out, and I just think he's going to bring so much excitement to the UFC. I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin."
Silva last fought in UFC between 1998 and 2000 before he began working full-time for PRIDE. Silva was 1-2 in UFC action, losing to Tito Ortiz and Vitor Belfort while defeating Tony Petarra.
Despite having purchased PRIDE for a reported $70 million, UFC has needed to negotiate new contracts with the latter's talent roster.
Silva could ultimately be in line for a UFC light heavyweight title shot. Jackson will be defending that crown against Henderson on September 8 in London on a UFC special that will air on tape delay that night on Spike TV.
