HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
As one of the most accomplished fighters in the Pride Fighting Championship, Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva also has a long career in the UFC. That’s what we’re focusing on today, as we recount how Silva got started with MMA, his performance in the UFC, and where he is now.
While Silva is no longer part of the UFC, you should check out Fanduel’s UFC odds if you often place bets on their MMA fighters.
Early Fighting
Like many fighters before and after him, Wanderlei Silva is a Brazilian who got his start in street brawling, which was later refined by learning kickboxing and Muay Thai. He joined the Brazilian army as a teen, where his ability was recognized. They motivated him to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along with Vale Tudo – known as No-Holds-Barred fighting in the West.
His first professional match was on the 1st of November 1996, in the Brazilian Vale Tudo Fighting franchise. He knocked out Dilson Filho at BVF 6 and later beat Marcelo Barbosa at BVF 10, in 1997. He also participated in multiple International Vale Tudo Championship events, which is where he became known as “The Axe Murderer” after forcing Eugene Jackson into submission at IVC 10.
Early UFC Career
Wanderlei Silva entered the UFC on the 16th of October 1998, as part of UFC Brazil: Ultimate Brazil. His first match was against none other than Vitor Belfort, who was a trial by fire for the new fighter. In what was the worst loss of Silva’s UFC career, he only lasted 44 seconds before getting knocked down and out.
His next outing was more successful, knocking out Tony Petarra. Then he fought at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 25, where Tito Ortiz won by UD.
Pride Career
From there, Silva made a name for himself in the Pride Fighting Championships. He proved himself to be a dominant force in the championship through his inescapable submissions. From 1999 to 2004, Silva won 18 fights in a row as part of Pride, only drawing when he had to face Mirko Cro Cop.
His streak ended against Samoan heavyweight Mark Hunt, though it was a split decision. During one of his last Pride fights, Silva faced Cro Cop again and was knocked out with a head kick. The NSAC refused to medically clear him for his next fight, which was a challenge issued to Chuck Liddell.
His last fight saw his middleweight title on the line against Dan Henderson. In another upset, Henderson knocked Silva out and the NSAC once again kept close tabs on him, denying future participation.
Return To UFC
In mid-2007, Wanderlei Silva returned to the UFC after distinguishing himself in Pride. He’d return at UFC 79, where he’d finally get a shot at Chuck Liddell. The long-awaited match ended with a loss by UD.
He then won a decisive 36-second KO against Keith Jardine and earned Knockout of the Night. Then he registered losses to Quinton Jackson and Rich Franklin in his next two events. After the Franklin fight, he needed to have surgery to increase his oxygen intake.
After his facial reconstructive surgery, Silva came back in top form by beating Michael Bisping in his middleweight debut at UFC 110. Bisping took Silva down several times but, not to be deterred, Silva came back with punches in the second and third rounds. He won by a UD, his first win in nearly two years.
From there, his career stagnated for a few months after knee surgery in 2010. His returning fight in 2011, against Chris Leben at UFC 132, saw the fight stopped 27 seconds in and another loss for Silva.
Fortunately, Silva’s career drew to a close on a positive note after beating Cung Le at UFC 139, sending Le to the hospital. He then faced Rich Franklin again and, while Silva lost by UD again, he nearly beat Franklin in the second round. Then he beat Brian Stann by KO, in the stadium where most Pride Fighting Championship fights had taken place.
Retirement
Wanderlei ended his career in the UFC by being a coach on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3. He didn’t get to fight against rival coach Chael Sonnen due to injury and he later left after refusing a drug test, incurring a ban from the NSAC, though this was overturned in 2015.
From here, he was released from his UFC contract and had since fought with Bellator MMA, until 2019 when his contract with them expired.