The Return of Wanderlei Silva? Possible Return to MMA in Japan
Wanderlei Silva vs Phil Baroni
Looks like the ‘Axe Murderer’ is not done with MMA. Rumors have risen via Phil Baroni’s Twitter account on a possible fight with Silva on New Years Eve in Japan.
The country is known for habitually putting on huge MMA events on holiday weekend. Wanderlei Silva’s legacy was built in the land of the Rising Sun, fighting in Pride FC for eight years and was the middleweight reigning champing for nearly five. At one point Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC), had a 20-fight unbeaten streak (18-0-1, 1 NC) in the organization.
Phil Baroni tweets from Friday on a potential showdown with Wanderlei Silva
After accepting to coach on The Ultimate Fighter with Chael Sonnen, Silva’s career took an awkward downward spiral. Silva and Sonnen got into a scuffle (some think it was staged). The NSAC then showed up at Silva’s gym for a surprise inspection, Silva allegedly ran out the back door and fled the test. This resulted in a $70,000 fine and a lifetime ban from competition in the sport. This all prompted Silva to say he is retiring from the MMA and the UFC.
This ban however would not have an effect on Silva if he decides to fight overseas in Japan as there are no governing bodies and the NSAC has zero power there. Silva is 38 years old, time might not be on his side, but it would not be a shock or surprise if he tries to fight two or three more times in Japan for a huge paycheck. Silva’s long run in the Japanese MMA circuits made him one of their biggest stars, and his name would still be a huge draw.
As of press time the authenticity of Baroni’s tweet has not been verified.
Nostalgia: Wanderlei Silva throwing vicious knees to Quinton Rampage Jackson in on of their two meetings in Pride. Silva won both fights in Pride defending his middleweight title. Rampage would have his revenge years later in the third match in the UFC.
