Wanderlei Silva to the UFC; December Debut

[ilostmydog]

http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=7253

^^^^There is also a video with Dana and Wandy there.

My apologies if this should have been in the 'press room.'

UFC Inks Wanderlei Silva; Brazilian Legend set for December Return

By Thomas Gerbasi

It’s been a deal years in the making, but finally, one of mixed martial arts’ unquestioned greats – former PRIDE Champion Wanderlei Silva - will be returning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Octagon this December for the first time in over seven years to take on the best 205-pound fighters in the world.

“Many fighters have a dream of fighting for the UFC, and as a champion for six years in Japan, my dream has always been to have the UFC belt,” said Silva. “Today, I’m one step closer to this goal.”

“As crazy as this sounds, this is the pinnacle of my seven year career in this company,” said UFC President Dana White. “I’m so excited to have this guy under contract. He grabbed my arm and looked me in the eyes like one of his pre-fight staredowns and he said ‘I’m gonna fight so good for you, you’re gonna see the best fights ever from Wanderlei Silva.’”

The signing of Silva, which took place in the Zuffa offices in Las Vegas Friday afternoon, is the culmination of years of pursuit and hard work by White, who weathered a series of ups and downs to get the Brazilian bomber in the UFC, where potential matchups with the likes of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell await.

The 31-year old Silva, known by fight fans as “The Axe Murderer” for his ultra-aggressive style and finishing ability, began his career almost 11 years ago in his native Brazil, fighting in Vale Tudo bouts that pushed him to the limit as he honed the skills that would soon make him one of the most feared fighters on the planet.

In 1998, Silva would make his UFC debut against Vitor Belfort, and he would fight two more times in the Octagon (including a 2000 bout against Tito Ortiz).

But it was in the PRIDE organization that the legend of Silva was truly born, and after his debut in 1999, he met great success by winning the organization’s middleweight championship and defeating the likes of current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson (twice), Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba (three times), Ricardo Arona, Hidehiko Yoshida, and Kazuyuki Fujita, while engaging in some of the most memorable fights in MMA history.

“This guy is a real fighter,” said White. “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.”

Well-rested after his February PRIDE fight against Dan Henderson, Silva (31-7-1) now looks forward to the next chapter in his career in the UFC.

“I’m gonna work hard to give a great show for the fans and I want to thank God for this opportunity,” said Silva, who counts the key elements of his style as raw aggression, emotion, and intensity.

He also wants to send a message to prospective foes.

“I want to issue a warning to the other fighters out there: you need to train hard, because “The Axe Murderer” is here.”

A date and opponent for Silva’s return will be announced at a later date.

[36thDisciple]

homina homina

[MyAssIsFartsy]

If he can't juice, he won't give a very exciting performance.

[Cell]

Good, now Chuck can destroy him and we can move on from this bullshit.

[Whining Pussy]

the title contention portion of UFC's LHW division is now complete. awesome. big reps to UFC for finally unifying a division. now they just need some lil Nog, Arona, and Sokoudjuo on deck.

[OB Juan]

So assuming Chuck makes light work of Sardine and he's Wand's opponent come Dec, if Wand were to beat Chuck what are the chances they bring back Belfort? Hell, even if he loses to Chuck... it would be even less dangerous to the UFC that way.

[Whining Pussy]

what are the chances they bring back Belfort?
hopefully nil. i think it's unlikely. they're getting beyond all that. they've brought in so much talent over the past couple years and made such a strong effort to educate people on how far the sport has come that i don't see them looking back and resurrecting has-beens anymore. the present is much more interesting and Belfort is simply not a part of it.

[OB Juan]

hopefully nil. i think it's unlikely. they're getting beyond all that. they've brought in so much talent over the past couple years and made such a strong effort to educate people on how far the sport has come that i don't see them looking back and resurrecting has-beens anymore. the present is much more interesting and Belfort is simply not a part of it.

While I fully agree when I look at it from Zuffa's POV I see a cash cow of a rematch.

[Cell]

While I fully agree when I look at it from Zuffa's POV I see a cash cow of a rematch.

What would make that fight a cash cow though? For as much as people like to think otherwise Wandy is still a no-name in the states, and I don't think a win over Chuck would make him a huge star, he just doesn't have it for the US market. As for Vitor, the modern MMA casual fan doesn't know who the hell he is and never knew him as the phenom, so I don't think he's worth any big money. Perhaps with the right build the UFC could get a nice little undercard fight out of it, but by no means would it be a cash cow of a fight.

[Whining Pussy]

i refuse to believe that just because people don't speak good english that they don't have the potential to be big stars in the UFC. it's all about marketting. if the UFC chooses to market someone they can make them big, period. it has nothing to do with where they're from or anything. it helps if they perform well in their fights, but really what it comes down to is the UFC plugging them. Matt "i'm a farmer" Hughes, Rich "the ugly Ace ventura" Franklin, Chuck "the deadpan" Liddell.. seriously, these guys are not superstars. they just got the marketting. Couture got the marketting and all too but at least he pulled upset after upset after upset to warrant a substantial and unforgettable amount of shock and awe thru the years. Wand, Anderson Silva, even the Junkyard Dog 2.0 as fucking corny as his persona can be Quinton Jackson are all easily sells. just gotta put em out there.

Royce Gracie never spoke good english and is easily the biggest most recognizable star the UFC has ever had because he got enormous marketting as the founding fighter of the UFC.

altho i'm probly talkin to a wall here cause i noticed Cell's "i hope Chuck destroys him post" earlier which should indicate an apparent bias... especially considering Wand has a history of knocking out the guy who kicks the shit out of Chuck Liddell standing.

[OB Juan]

What would make that fight a cash cow though? For as much as people like to think otherwise Wandy is still a no-name in the states, and I don't think a win over Chuck would make him a huge star, he just doesn't have it for the US market. As for Vitor, the modern MMA casual fan doesn't know who the hell he is and never knew him as the phenom, so I don't think he's worth any big money. Perhaps with the right build the UFC could get a nice little undercard fight out of it, but by no means would it be a cash cow of a fight.

Well first of all I expect they are going to build Wand up nicely prior to his debut anyhow. Plus Belfort probably still has the highest number of unwarranted nuthuggers as any other fighter on the planet. He's all over the old Ultimate KO vids and would be ridiculously easy to build. They could do a feature Unleashed on him w/ fights like WAND, Hess, Tank, Randy 2, Eastman, or maybe even Chuck. Not difficult at all.

And I'm not saying they SHOULD do it. I'm just making this prediction now in case it does happen because that's the type of shit Zuffa does. Personally, I could care less to ever see Belfort fight again (although seeing Wand get a chance to redeem that loss does have a certain appeal).

[Cell]

The difference there is that Quinton has star written all over him, he has since the moment he entered the sport. The same is true for Chuck, for some reason the causal fan loves his boring ass style of fighting.

Anderson should be a star, if only the UFC would get behind him. Anderson has all the tools it takes to be a star, but the UFC really wants Franklin to be the star at 185 so they won't get behind Anderson. Hughes became a star because he was dominant, it's easy to be a star when you are the best your division, and possibly the sport, has ever seen. Franklin has been a failure from the beginning, gthe UFC wants him to be this huge star, they treat him and market him like a huge star, but the numbers just aren't there. He has yet to bring in any good numbers when he is the main headliner, and I don't think he ever will.

This all brings us to Wanderlei, who I don't think has what it takes to be a star in the US market. The language barrier really is the smallest of the reasons as to why, his best days are behind him, the brutality that made him so popular in Japan will be gone, and he really doesn't have any charisma whatsoever. I see him being a lot like CroCop, the UFC will try to push him on the fans, but in the end of the day the causal fan won't give two shits about him.

[OB Juan]

i refuse to believe that just because people don't speak good english that they don't have the potential to be big stars in the UFC. it's all about marketting. if the UFC chooses to market someone they can make them big, period. it has nothing to do with where they're from or anything. it helps if they perform well in their fights, but really what it comes down to is the UFC plugging them. Matt "i'm a farmer" Hughes, Rich "the ugly Ace ventura" Franklin, Chuck "the deadpan" Liddell.. seriously, these guys are not superstars. they just got the marketting. Couture got the marketting and all too but at least he pulled upset after upset after upset to warrant a substantial and unforgettable amount of shock and awe thru the years. Wand, Anderson Silva, even the Junkyard Dog 2.0 as fucking corny as his persona can be Quinton Jackson are all easily sells. just gotta put em out there.

Royce Gracie never spoke good english and is easily the biggest most recognizable star the UFC has ever had because he got enormous marketting as the founding fighter of the UFC.

altho i'm probly talkin to a wall here cause i noticed Cell's "i hope Chuck destroys him post" earlier which should indicate an apparent bias... especially considering Wand has a history of knocking out the guy who kicks the shit out of Chuck Liddell standing.

This post makesme think I'm not theonly one tipping them back tonight. Cheers!


But aren't you the same one that had the whole "Rich Franklin white American" conspiracy theory?


And for the record, Quinton "JYD 2.0" speaks English just fine.

[Whining Pussy]

his brutality being gone is speculation and to say he has no charisma whatsoever has just got me blinking. Wanderlei has always been intensly passionate about his fighting career and his family, inspiring all kinds of sentimental admiration from me through-out his career: in his taking of the torch from Sakuraba, to his fearlessness in going into fights with Mark Hunt and Mirko Filipovic, putting his championship prestige in jeopardy for the reputation of never having backed down, no matter the odds. Wand's been one of the most charismatic champions in the sport for me.

[Whining Pussy]

This post makesme think I'm not theonly one tipping them back tonight. Cheers!


But aren't you the same one that had the whole "Rich Franklin white American" conspiracy theory?


And for the record, Quinton "JYD 2.0" speaks English just fine.
actually, no, i'm totally sober. i just get pissed when people say such and such isn't marketable, especially when they're referring to one of the most significant fighters in the sport. it's not like we're dealing with Nate Marquardt here, who comes off like his head is filled with rocks and he has no desire in the world, no warmth, heart, anything.
i don't know what the racism that i believe propels Rick Franklin into his destiny fight in ohio has to do with this, or why you think i don't know that Quinton Jackson speaks english first language.. cheers anyway tho.

[Cell]

his brutality being gone is speculation and to say he has no charisma whatsoever has just got me blinking. Wanderlei has always been intensly passionate about his fighting career and his family, inspiring all kinds of sentimental admiration from me through-out his career: in his taking of the torch from Sakuraba, to his fearlessness in going into fights with Mark Hunt and Mirko Filipovic, putting his championship prestige in jeopardy for the reputation of never having backed down, no matter the odds. Wand's been one of the most charismatic champions in the sport for me.


In the UFC all that matters is in-ring actions and what happens on the mic right after the fight. In those two aspects Wand doesn't have charisma, and the charisma that you are placing on him comes from you already being a fan. As for the brutality, he can no longer stomp or knee the hell out of guys when they are down, and those aspects of his game were always featured very highly when Pride showed packages about him. In the UFC and to the UFC audience he will be no different than any other unknown fighter from some midwest fighting card that they bring in because the causal fan doesn't know him.

[Whining Pussy]

In the UFC all that matters is in-ring actions and what happens on the mic right after the fight. In those two aspects Wand doesn't have charisma, and the charisma that you are placing on him comes from you already being a fan. As for the brutality, he can no longer stomp or knee the hell out of guys when they are down, and those aspects of his game were always featured very highly when Pride showed packages about him. In the UFC and to the UFC audience he will be no different than any other unknown fighter from some midwest fighting card that they bring in because the causal fan doesn't know him.
his brutal KOs of Jackson were both from the mt clinch standing. and we'll see what he does with the elbows. i wouldn't presume the worst of Silva. people bounce back in this sport, especially the great ones.

umm and you're actually flat-out wrong. no fighter form the mid-west has had this kind of long-term courting from the UFC, brought in to challenge Couture, brought in to challenge Liddell, former champion of well-known foreign promoter and UFC rival PrideFC, you know his resume. you know they're gonna talk about it. you know they've got the footage of Jackson getting obliterated. you're wrong for what you're sayin.

[adamn]

If Rampage remains champ and wandy fights and beats Chuck. I'd love to see Rampage Wandy III.

[OB Juan]

his brutal KOs of Jackson were both from the mt clinch standing. and we'll see what he does with the elbows. i wouldn't presume the worst of Silva. people bounce back in this sport, especially the great ones.

umm and you're actually flat-out wrong. no fighter form the mid-west has had this kind of long-term courting from the UFC, brought in to challenge Couture, brought in to challenge Liddell, former champion of well-known foreign promoter and UFC rival PrideFC, you know his resume. you know they're gonna talk about it. you know they've got the footage of Jackson getting obliterated. you're wrong for what you're sayin.

True. Everybody remember this photo op?

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/objuan666/couturesilva.jpg

Same as when he came in the Octagon to get nose to nose w/ Chuck. People that didn't even kow him said "OMG that dude LOOKS like the real deal".

[Cell]

his brutal KOs of Jackson were both from the mt clinch standing. and we'll see what he does with the elbows. i wouldn't presume the worst of Silva. people bounce back in this sport, especially the great ones.

umm and you're actually flat-out wrong. no fighter form the mid-west has had this kind of long-term courting from the UFC, brought in to challenge Couture, brought in to challenge Liddell, former champion of well-known foreign promoter and UFC rival PrideFC, you know his resume. you know they're gonna talk about it. you know they've got the footage of Jackson getting obliterated. you're wrong for what you're sayin.

They had all that footage the last time they hyped him and brought him out, they had all that footage of Cro Cop when he debuted and hyped him up, and that didn't stop the fans from being completely apathetic towards CC in his UFC appearances, and you could hear crickets chirping when Dana first announced Chuck/Silva. I understand that you are a huge Pride fan, but you need to get over this notion that the casual US fan gives two shits about anyone that fought there. Any fighter coming from Pride is viewed the same as any fighter coming out of any small US org, the fans don't know them so they don't give a shit. Just because the UFC is heavily courting him that doesn't mean he's a known commodity that will make them money.

[Whining Pussy]

a lot of americans know what pride was, regardless tho. they certainly care about what happened to Chuck Liddell, and they'll certainly care about what happened to the guy who did that to Chuck.

and the idea that you think this is about how i liked Pride is just so childish, it's incredible that i even take the time to serve you the raw deal.

[Cell]

Hardcore MMA fans are the one who know Wandy, that is a given. What matters to the UFC is the causal fan, and unlike a Chuck Liddell Wandy doesn't have the star power to draw any of them in because he is a complete unknown to the American marketplace.

Whether or not the people will care about what happens with the man who beat Chuck Liddell still remains to be seen, you could be right and Wand's stock could jump a ton because of that, but Wand could beat Chuck and that corrolary effect might not be there, we don't know yet. Besides, Wand's style is tailor made for Chuck to fuck up six ways from Sunday, so he won't be winning that fight anyways.

[Whining Pussy]

"nobody cared about crocop" "nobody cared about Chuck vs Silva".. since when are you the fucking census? where do you come up with the gall to appoint yourself to such knowledge? you're an absolute moron.

[Cell]

Listen to the crowd reaction, when Wand is announced and not a damn person in the arena makes a sound I would take that to be really good fucking evidence that they don't know who he is and they don't care. When the UFC plays video after video about Mirko and he is met with only a lukewarm response at best in both of his fights that is a good sign that the crowds and fans in general are apathetic towards him. Learn to listen to the crowd sometime and take off your Pride earbuds and I'm sure you'll hear reality.

[adamn]

Listen to the crowd reaction, when Wand is announced and not a damn person in the arena makes a sound I would take that to be really good fucking evidence that they don't know who he is and they don't care. When the UFC plays video after video about Mirko and he is met with only a lukewarm response at best in both of his fights that is a good sign that the crowds and fans in general are apathetic towards him. Learn to listen to the crowd sometime and take off your Pride earbuds and I'm sure you'll hear reality.

I'm just one person..

[OB Juan]

Hardcore MMA fans are the one who know Wandy, that is a given. What matters to the UFC is the causal fan, and unlike a Chuck Liddell Wandy doesn't have the star power to draw any of them in because he is a complete unknown to the American marketplace.

Whether or not the people will care about what happens with the man who beat Chuck Liddell still remains to be seen, you could be right and Wand's stock could jump a ton because of that, but Wand could beat Chuck and that corrolary effect might not be there, we don't know yet. Besides, Wand's style is tailor made for Chuck to fuck up six ways from Sunday, so he won't be winning that fight anyways.

Wand is the type of guy that has automatic star power. W/ them owning Pride footage now you can be sure they will hype the hell outta him. The Rampag fights alone will make him known.

And considering Wand isn't a wrestler, how can you say he's tailor made for Chuck? Wand has likely been training already and you can bet from here on he WILL be training exclusively for Chuck from now until Dec. Rampage did the same thing and look at his results. Inthe meantime Chuck has to comcentrate on Jardine.

[OB Juan]

Listen to the crowd reaction, when Wand is announced and not a damn person in the arena makes a sound I would take that to be really good fucking evidence that they don't know who he is and they don't care. When the UFC plays video after video about Mirko and he is met with only a lukewarm response at best in both of his fights that is a good sign that the crowds and fans in general are apathetic towards him. Learn to listen to the crowd sometime and take off your Pride earbuds and I'm sure you'll hear reality.

You're overreacting to Wand's reaction. Do you think he's any less known than Nog in the states? Nog had the second loudest applause at the weigh ins (next to Tito) and the crowd went wild during his walk in. I'm confident the same will happen for Wand.

[Cell]

Unless Wand drastically changes his style, which I don't see happening, he will charge right in after Chuck wildly throwing strikes, and that will play right into Chuck's counter puncher style. Page had success because he stayed back and didn't rush Chuck and waited for his opening, plus Page has a lot more power in his hands than Wand does. Wand stuns guys with flurries, by hitting them with a bunch of shots that accumulate damage, and that combined with the wildness against Chuck is a bad combination.

[OB Juan]

Unless Wand drastically changes his style, which I don't see happening, he will charge right in after Chuck wildly throwing strikes, and that will play right into Chuck's counter puncher style. Page had success because he stayed back and didn't rush Chuck and waited for his opening, plus Page has a lot more power in his hands than Wand does. Wand stuns guys with flurries, by hitting them with a bunch of shots that accumulate damage, and that combined with the wildness against Chuck is a bad combination.

In Wand's defense I bring up his 1st fight w/ Mirko. The second fight, being a GP, he probably wasn't as focused. He has nothing but time right now to focus on his UFC re-debut.

I'll go out on a limb right now and take Wand in an av bet if the fight actually happens. IMO Wand was and is a better fighter than Chuck. Until Chuck actually moves up to HW and fights the likes of Mirko instead of just calling him out I will always respect Wand more.

[DeltaSigChi4]

When Ace Franklin had his soul executed by Anderson Silva the crowd was absolutely silent. I believe a few women cried out "no!". When it was over, and Ace lay near dead on the ground [would've been dead if the ref would not have stopped the inhumane onslaught], the live audience started booing. There were maybe a few dozen of us jumping and celebrating that we would never have to see Ace Franklin in another main event again [boy were we wrong].

In closing, the reaction of the crowd means shit. It's always meant shit, it will always mean shit. You cannot conclude that the ENTIRE CONSENSUS of ALL the U.S. MMA-following community is this or that just on what the crowd at the live event does or does not do. Many events later, A. Silva is still the Middleweight champion, and the reaction of the crowd has mattered little.

E

[OB Juan]

When Ace Franklin had his soul executed by Anderson Silva the crowd was absolutely silent. I believe a few women cried out "no!". When it was over, and Ace lay near dead on the ground [would've been dead if the ref would not have stopped the inhumane onslaught], the live audience started booing. There were maybe a few dozen of us jumping and celebrating that we would never have to see Ace Franklin in another main event again [boy were we wrong].

In closing, the reaction of the crowd means shit. It's always meant shit, it will always mean shit. You cannot conclude that the ENTIRE CONSENSUS of ALL the U.S. MMA-following community is this or that just on what the crowd at the live event does or does not do. Many events later, A. Silva is still the Middleweight champion, and the reaction of the crowd has mattered little.

E

Didn't Silva get a different reaction from the crowd in subsequent fights? I distinctly remember a fighter beating a champ, getting booed, and then having the crowd go ape shit for them in their next appearance. Can't remember who exactly.

And yes, since Wand should be facing Chuck, it's likely he will get booed vs the ex poster boy (at least by the majority of the casual fans in attendance). It doesn't mean he won't be a draw or have knowledgeable fans happy to see him in the Octagon once again.

[DeltaSigChi4]

Crowds have always been lukewarm to A. Silva. But it's not the point I was making. I was drawing on Cell's insistance that because the crowds didn't storm the cage in jubilee when Wand was brought in for promos at UFC events, that no one cares or knows who he is.

E

[chuck]

So assuming Chuck makes light work of Sardine and he's Wand's opponent come Dec, if Wand were to beat Chuck what are the chances they bring back Belfort? Hell, even if he loses to Chuck... it would be even less dangerous to the UFC that way.

I dont know if you invented it or started it but Sardine is hilarious. can all the way.

[Left Hook]

Wandy vs. Chuck will not be Wandy rushing. It will be Wandy/Jackson II, with Wandy waiting for his opponent to get frustrated. I can also see Wandy actually taking Chuck down. Why? Chuck would never expect it.

I am interested just to see if Wandy can get Chuck against the cage and what happens with Wandy's elbows.

[chuck]

Silva is the cage with Jackson and Chuck can only be a god thing. look for Silva to beat his first opponent, then get faced off with Chuck and the winner faces Jackson/Hendo. it must be Silva though.

[Don]

Finally.

[Bev]

People forget Wandy's record against true LHWs. His ground game is composed of the following: Stalling and waiting for a yellow card to bail him out. He's going to get smashed in the UFC.

[Left Hook]

People forget Wandy's record against true LHWs. His ground game is composed of the following: Stalling and waiting for a yellow card to bail him out. He's going to get smashed in the UFC.

No yellow cards plus elbows from the bottom, mean Silva will be loving life.

[Don]

He given a black belt in bjj recently. I think the elbows may work out good for him, although lack of stomps will not. The cage has never been lucky for him.

[Left Hook]

Thought he got one of those after the finals of the GP in 2003?

[Randjob]

just got this in my email

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/jwhj7956/SILVA_EMAIL.jpg

[Left Hook]

One thing that kills me is that all these Wandy photos are from 04. He looks so much more like Kurt Angle now it isn't funny.

[GNP]

Finally.

I mean really, he had no where else to go. Good to see it offical though, Vandy is always a draw.

[Cell]

Crowds have always been lukewarm to A. Silva. But it's not the point I was making. I was drawing on Cell's insistance that because the crowds didn't storm the cage in jubilee when Wand was brought in for promos at UFC events, that no one cares or knows who he is.

E

The lack of buys for the Pride shows that were marketed with his name as the main draw combined with the complete lack of caring by the casual fan in any of his mainsteam appearances says differently. I don't buy the crowd caring factor all of the time, but with Wand it was a severe case of dead silence, followed by terrible numbers for the two Pride shows where he was marketed as being on them.

[Left Hook]

If Wandy comes in and beats Chuck, he will be over. Just the footage they will use to hype up a possible match between him and either Chuck or Rampage would have him over instantly.

[36thDisciple]

Speculation on who he will fight? Will it be Liddell?

[dragomort]

To be fair, you have to say that Wandy is an easily marketable commodity for any promotion. However, CroCop was as well.

With all of CC's highlight footage shown across the internet and on Pride telecasts and the open access to hype fighters on Spike TV the UFC hypes him by showing a Croatian flag and a 5 second promo where you can't tell what's happening. Meanwhile they were busy removing the internet highlights for copyright infringement and effectively making it seem like he was a band playing at half-time more than a hard-ass coming in to dominate.

Anderson is in a similar boat being asked how honored he must be to get a rematch with Franklin like he had to earn it again and is rather marginalized even though he has the easiest highlight reel of the past year to put together in history. I mean, Franklin is still being pumped up more than him by Zuffa. While I can understand doing a bit of Franklin selling and I'm good with that, especially for the rematch, I can't understand why Anderson isn't getting at least the same measure of promotional respect.

It's not so much about the footage they have, it's more about their ability or desire to use it and it just seems odd on how they do it some times.

[dragomort]

Speculation on who he will fight? Will it be Liddell?
If Chuck loses to Jardine the match becomes pointless. Also, if Chuck is injured they'll have to find another opponent that Wandy has to win against or hold off on his premier until Chuck is healthy. My money's on Chuck or hold, but if Chuck takes a loss things get interesting really quick.

[36thDisciple]

Yeah, they're probably working on a backup opponent for Silva already. It better be a good one if Chuck loses, dammit. No Jardine type shit.

[Whining Pussy]

i'll be betting against Chuck, most likely, depending on the circumstances as they develop. i believe in the mmath of Wand > Quinton > Chuck.

[dragomort]

I could see it going either way, honestly. If the line is significantly in Chuck's favor I might actually gladly put some money on Wandy. Silva gets inside and Chuck is screwed beyond recognition and I know that Randy will be able to give him the plan to do it. I wonder though, can the UFC petition to make this a 5 round event even if not for a title? It would feel wrong to me if this ended in anything other than a KO for one or the other or at least a hard fought decision after more than 15 minutes.

[Whining Pussy]

I could see it going either way, honestly. If the line is significantly in Chuck's favor I might actually gladly put some money on Wandy. Silva gets inside and Chuck is screwed beyond recognition and I know that Randy will be able to give him the plan to do it. I wonder though, can the UFC petition to make this a 5 round event even if not for a title? It would feel wrong to me if this ended in anything other than a KO for one or the other or at least a hard fought decision after more than 15 minutes.
there's no way this fight goes even 3 rounds, unless they both come out timid. i know Chuck knows how to drag a fight out, but i'd be surprised to see Wand coastin around throwin leg kicks for 3 rounds.

it's definitely in Wand's favor to be out of Chute Box. being overly aggressive in this fight could be a problem for him. Chuck likes getting chased and countering wild desperation. Jackson had the right idea in just walkin on him, to put the pressure so he swings and then you can counter him.

[TILSON]

The arguments that Wandy is not known to the casual fan are now bunk. Every fan that has been to the UFC website and signed up for info know has had a history lesson him. The guy can definately draw in the US if for nothing else there are going to be alot of people that will hate him and want to see him get beat. Remember no sane person like Tito Ortiz but everybody still pays to see him fight. If the UFC uses him right it could be a really great addition for them.

[dragomort]

there's no way this fight goes even 3 rounds
I wouldn't expect it to, but I wouldn't want to chance it either is all.

[NutzOnUrFace]

Wanderlei with elbows. I like it.

[DeltaSigChi4]

The lack of buys for the Pride shows that were marketed with his name as the main draw combined with the complete lack of caring by the casual fan in any of his mainsteam appearances says differently. I don't buy the crowd caring factor all of the time, but with Wand it was a severe case of dead silence, followed by terrible numbers for the two Pride shows where he was marketed as being on them.

He was only on one of the Pride in America shows [33], so I really and truly don't know what you're going on about.

E

[Cell]

He was only on one of the Pride in America shows [33], so I really and truly don't know what you're going on about.

E


He was marketed as being on the Real Deal show, and was even featured prominently on the first run of posters they produced for the show.

[derubermensch]

They need to treat Silva like just another guy tryin' to earn his bones. Give him fights to see where he stands, if he's fit, then we can talk big fights. A little pacing would help the UFC not put themselves in positions where they gotta scramble for title fights and division defining bouts; though to be fair, they really haven't had that problem since 2005's run of zany title bouts.

[Left Hook]

I don't think they can do that if they are paying him anything in which he is worth.

[OB Juan]

I don't think they can do that if they are paying him anything in which he is worth.

I'm inclined to agree. I think he's going to likely be in marquee fights non stop. Starting right off w/ Chuck. I would expect Shogun to get the winner of Rampage/Hendo so Wand rematching the loser is a very good possibilty IMO.

Wand is at a point where it's hard to say if he's really on the decline or not. As much as I wouldn't want to see them just suck him dry, I kind of would like to see him in as many meaningful fights vs ranked opponents as possible. Give him the opportunity right away to see if he's still the best at 205. Get their money's worth out of him.

[DeltaSigChi4]

He was marketed as being on the Real Deal show, and was even featured prominently on the first run of posters they produced for the show.

I LIVE in Clark County, and I don't recall ever seeing a poster for 32 with Wand on it. Maybe my memory is fucked. Dunno.

32 was marketed EXCLUSIVELY as a Fedor/Coleman affair and "this is the best MMA org in the world coming to Las Vegas". There was that one artistic poster that looked crumbled that had a bunch of fighters, none of whom were W. Silva.

E

[Mad Processor]

Well, Dana White has certainly his opponents down for a standing eight. If he can pull in Fedor, the ref will have to stop the fight.

[heckyl]

Well, Dana White has certainly his opponents down for a standing eight. If he can pull in Fedor, the ref will have to stop the fight.

huh? :confused:

[DCBooks]

huh? :confused:

He'll have crushed all competition.

[DeltaSigChi4]

Not true. SHOOTO lives.

SHOOTO > UFC

E

[heckyl]

He'll have crushed all competition.

i still dont get it.

[OB Juan]

i still dont get it.

Fedor is the only remaining fighter Dana needs to sign to completely secure contracts of all top fighters.

[heckyl]

too bad Fedor is going to be in HEROS and piss all of you off. lol.

[Betro]

Not true. SHOOTO lives.

SHOOTO > UFC

E
Brian Cobb and Bao Quach > Shooto, Joe Camacho = Shooto

[Z A C H E R]

I remember the first Pride America card, that on the TV commercials, up to a few days AFTER they show, they were advertising Wandy to be fighting on it.

[Left Hook]

Fedor is the only remaining fighter Dana needs to sign to completely secure contracts of all top fighters.

Gomi, Josh, Jiri, Mach, lil Nog and Hansen wanted me to say hi. :D

[OB Juan]

Gomi, Josh, Jiri, Mach, lil Nog and Hansen wanted me to say hi. :D

I was attempting a rough translation, smarty pants. And how many of those guys have signed elsewhere yet?

[Left Hook]

I was attempting a rough translation, smarty pants. And how many of those guys have signed elsewhere yet?

I don't think any have actually. Heard Gomi may have, but nothing else. I know Josh, Mach, Jiri, Hansen (Who no one seems to want) and lil Nog haven't signed anywhere. One would hope lil Nog would follow his brother but who knows.

[ghost01]

I don't think any have actually. Heard Gomi may have, but nothing else. I know Josh, Mach, Jiri, Hansen (Who no one seems to want) and lil Nog haven't signed anywhere. One would hope lil Nog would follow his brother but who knows.

didn't they announce mach would fight in the ufc ww division?

[Left Hook]

Mach said that was all false.

[chuck]

Mach said that was all false.

but he was there at a recent show which implies he must be close to signing.

[ghost01]

Mach said that was all false.
i didn't mean his match up with sanchez but i heard he was at ufc 73's press confernce and they said he was joining the ufc.

[OB Juan]

Mach said that was all false.

I doubt they would seat him ringside and give him a close up if he was just another vagrant fighter.

[DeltaSigChi4]

Brian Cobb and Bao Quach > Shooto, Joe Camacho = Shooto

First, let's ignore the fact that Bao Quach HAS FOUGHT FOR SHOOTO in the past, thereby IS a SHOOTO fighter. Let's just brush that aside as mere details. :rolleyes:

Bao was awarded that decision. Unless you watched the fight, shut your mouth about it. So, in essence, you have 1-1-1 for the SHOOTO representatives flown in.

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P.S. Negs.

[Left Hook]

I doubt they would seat him ringside and give him a close up if he was just another vagrant fighter.

They would if they were attempting to sign him.

[dragomort]

I doubt they would seat him ringside and give him a close up if he was just another vagrant fighter.
I'm still wondering how the hell he was eating noodles by the cage. That was the surreal part to me.

[Zigga-Zagga]

I'm still wondering how the hell he was eating noodles by the cage. That was the surreal part to me.

Well, it IS Sakurai, more surreal would be not seeing him eat anything.

[eMpEr0r]

I have always thought that this talk about "marketable Fighters" was utter bullshit. At the end of the day, the guy who kicks the shit out of all the other guys is "marketable." I don't think Fedor speaks any English, and I am sure that when he comes to the UFC and starts mopping up, no one is going to give a fuck about his "mic skillz." This isn't WWE for fuck sake.

[eMpEr0r]

Hansen (Who no one seems to want)


I know!!!!! What the fuck is up with that???

[DeltaSigChi4]

I read somewhere that hellboy was going to WEC.

To kill everyone.

And to make me thousands of dollars.

E

[Rauger]

give us silva vs. tito II please.

[eMpEr0r]

give us silva vs. tito II please.


Are you for real?

[PickleDick]

give us silva vs. tito II please.


fucking right! i would love to see them rematch.

I would of always rooted for Tito before, because the main guy who got me into watching MMA, but with all of his decisions lately.. I think i'd be rooting for Wandy.

[PickleDick]

I wonder who the fuck tehy would give him?

Maybe if he fought Babalu, that would be an interesting fight... Unless UFC would be saving Babalu for Shogun to rematch.

[eMpEr0r]

Well, Dana White has certainly his opponents down for a standing eight. If he can pull in Fedor, the ref will have to stop the fight.



What do you know about some Miama Dolphins, you silly Norski?

[jiddu]

Wandy in UFC is nice, I'll laugh though if he gets KO'd or decisioned in his first fight and all that money goes to waste

[dy-no-mite3000]

Wandy in UFC is nice, I'll laugh though if he gets KO'd or decisioned in his first fight and all that money goes to waste
I wouldn't be surprised if Wand's first fight is for a meager payday, ie. 50-85k and will grow heavily after that. Considering that he's lost 2 fights in a row his stock is hurting, and if he wants big money he may have had to agree to a deal where if he wins he sees larger win bonuses, but if he loses his check will be hit hard. This way incase he is washed up, the UFC doesn't lose 150-200k per fight on him.

[36thDisciple]

Bring Belfort in just for Wandy's first fight :)

[RampageOwnzAll]

The 205 divison is stacked. I would like to see Silva facing Gouveia/Lambert winner for his 1st fight.

[Ebeneezer]

I would like to see Silva fight woefully overmatched Japanese opponents.

[NutzOnUrFace]

I would like to see Silva fight woefully overmatched Japanese opponents.

Like Rampage?

[jiddu]

I wouldn't be surprised if Wand's first fight is for a meager payday, ie. 50-85k and will grow heavily after that. Considering that he's lost 2 fights in a row his stock is hurting, and if he wants big money he may have had to agree to a deal where if he wins he sees larger win bonuses, but if he loses his check will be hit hard. This way incase he is washed up, the UFC doesn't lose 150-200k per fight on him.

Yeah that'd be a good idea but I just don't believe it, the kind of money they are throwing around on fighters these days and the fact that this is Wanderlei Silva who I'm sure can get a good payday in K-1, look how excited Dana seems to be to have this guy. I think they paid him pretty well.

[Snacks]

I would like to see Silva fight woefully overmatched Japanese opponents.

The return of Kanehara?