Wanderlei Silva

Mixed martial arts career Early career Silva's aggressive style is rooted in street brawling, refined with elements of Muay Thai and kickboxing, which he began learning at the age of 13 in Chute Boxe Academy in his hometown Curitiba. In his late teens, he joined the Brazilian army and was quickly recognized for his fighting talents. He was asked to join Vale Tudo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu school. Silva enlisted after winning several fight tournaments within his age group in Brazil. There was a time when he developed a scar tissue around his eyes from fighting in bare-knuckle vale tudo.

Silva's first professional match was on 1 November 1996, in the bare-knuckle organization Brazilian Vale Tudo Fighting (BVF). In this fight, he was able to knock out Dilson Filho via right elbow at BVF 6. He fought in another match in BVF, BVF 10 on 1 July 1997, against Marcelo Barbosa, who submitted due to a shoulder injury.

Silva fought six matches in four different International Vale Tudo Championship events, IVC 2, IVC 6, IVC 9 and IVC 10, from 1997 to 1999. He won five of these matches by KO/TKO, with his one loss being the result of a cut stoppage against Artur Mariano in the IVC 2 show on 15 September 1997. Though Silva dominated Mariano with punches and knee strikes, the cut above Silva's left eyelid opened back up several times, partially because Silva continued to use the cut side of his head to inflict many headbutts on Mariano over the course of the match. The doctor observed the cut several times before the fight was officially ended. Waking up, Bennett struck Silva with an elbow strike knocking him down unconscious. In a night of upsets, Henderson knocked out Silva in the third round with a left hook to become the new middleweight champion. Silva was denied the ability to participate in Pride 34 due to medical suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) which made this his last Pride appearance. Silva almost never lost under strict Pride rules at 205 pounds - he won over 83% of his matches.

Return to the UFC

On 17 August 2007, the UFC announced that they had signed Wanderlei Silva to compete in the organization and that he would return to the Octagon on 29 December 2007 at UFC 79. After months of speculation about Silva's opponent, UFC President Dana White announced that Chuck Liddell would be Silva's opponent for his return match. The long-awaited match happened on 29 December 2007 at UFC 79 with Silva losing to Liddell by unanimous decision. After the fight Silva said, "Win or lose I like to give the emotion for my fans" He also added that he gave his best and promised that next time he will deliver a win. This fight earned them the Fight of the Night award.

Keeping to his promise, on 24 May 2008 at UFC 84 in Las Vegas, he earned a decisive KO win against Keith Jardine at the 36-second mark of the first round, earning him a $75,000 Knockout of the Night bonus award. When Jardine threw a kick, Silva countered with a right-left-right combo that dropped him. Silva then finished the fight with ground strikes to earn the knockout.

At UFC 92, Wanderlei fought Quinton Jackson, who he had beaten twice previously in PRIDE. Jackson avenged his previous defeats by knocking Silva out with a left hook in the first round. Following the fight, Silva indicated that he would like to face Jackson again in the future.

Silva faced Rich Franklin at UFC 99 at a catchweight bout of 195 lb. After a hard-fought match on both sides, Silva lost via unanimous decision to Franklin. This fight earned him a $60,000 Fight of the Night award. During the second round, Silva rocked Franklin hard with punches and almost finished the fight during that moment. This was counterbalanced by Franklin dropping Silva three times in that round, each time with singular strikes. Silva then announced he would be out of action until 2010, as he underwent facial surgery to repair his nose (which was broken during Silva's second fight with Cro Cop, and then repeatedly broken again in later matches) and remove some scar tissue from above his eyes to avoid bleeding and being easily cut open during future fights. The surgery allowed him to breathe through a once completely blocked nose thus increasing his oxygen intake by 30% by doctor's estimates. At UFC 110, announcer Joe Rogan emphatically stated that Wanderlei looked like a totally different person in the wake of his recent facial reconstructive surgery.

Silva made his middleweight (185 lb) debut during UFC 110 against Michael Bisping on 21 February 2010. During the fight Bisping was able to take Silva down several times during the first round, however Wanderlei came back with a flurry of punches at the end of the first round, a tight guillotine choke in the second, and a right hook that dropped Bisping in the third. After three rounds of fighting, Silva was awarded the unanimous decision victory (29–28, 29–28, and 29–28) and his first victory in almost two years. Although winning only one of his previous 6 bouts, he was slightly favored going into the fight as it was widely speculated that Bisping was apprehensive to fight toe-to-toe after being viciously knocked out by Dan Henderson on 11 July 2009 in UFC 100. After the fight, an emotional Silva told the audience, "In your life you have bad moments. Everybody has bad moments, but if you believe in God and working hard, good moments they’ll come". Silva attributed his success to working with his previous trainer Raphael Cordeiro. Bisping added, "Wanderlei's a great opponent ... I felt the reason he got the decision was the knockdown right at the end".

Silva was expected to face former K-1 HERO'S Light heavyweight Champion Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116. However, on 22 June, Silva had to pull out due to breaking three ribs during training. Akiyama would instead be fighting on the card, against Chris Leben. After Leben defeated Akiyama with a triangle choke in the third round Leben verbally called out Silva saying "Come on Wanderlei, I'll take you out too" in his post fight interview. "He represented very well, he's a good opponent," said Silva of "The Crippler." "I think if he's gonna wait that I'm gonna fight him next however Dana White has not considered a Silva/Leben fight happening anytime soon."

Silva underwent knee surgery in late July 2010 and his doctors had stated that he would need to wait at least 4 months before returning to training. This meant that he would not be seen fighting in the octagon again until early 2011.

Silva was scheduled to face Brian Stann at UFC 130. However, after Silva voiced his reluctance to face Stann, he was replaced on the card by returning UFC veteran Jorge Santiago.

On 4 April 2011, the UFC announced that Silva's next opponent would be Chris Leben with the two scheduled to meet at UFC 132. on 2 July 2011. During the fight's first round Leben won by KO with several uppercuts before following Silva to the ground for a referees stoppage at the 27 second mark. When Dana White was asked about his thoughts on Wanderlei's possible retirement, he said he felt it would be the best time for Wanderlei to retire but in the end it is up to whether Wanderlei himself would like to fight again.

Silva would fight again after replacing an injured Vitor Belfort against former Strikeforce Middleweight champion Cung Le at UFC 139. Le managed to confuse Silva with his unorthodox kicks, and landed a spinning backfist that dropped Silva. During the second round, Silva managed to shake Le with huge punches and knees that completely broke Le's nose. Le was stunned, bloody and fell to the ground, and the fight was stopped by the referee. This fight earned them a $70,000 Fight of the Night award. Afterwards in the press conference, Dana White commented that it was a good stoppage and that Cung was taken to the hospital.

Silva and Vitor Belfort coached The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil A rematch with Belfort was expected to take place on 23 June 2012 at UFC 147 but due to a broken hand Vitor Belfort had to withdraw from the match.

Silva faced Rich Franklin in a 190 lb catchweight at the event. Franklin and Silva fought once before at UFC 99, where Franklin won via unanimous decision. Despite Silva nearly finishing Franklin in the second round, the result was the same when the pair met for a second time at UFC 147, where Franklin again won by unanimous decision 49–46. This fight earned them a $65,000 Fight of the Night award.

In an interview with Sherdog asking about his future, Silva said: "I want to either fight a catchweight bout at 198 pounds (90 kg) or at light heavyweight. At middleweight, I'm very hungry (laughs). Right now, I'm doing weight training and some shadow boxing. I'm kind of on vacation now, paying attention to the family, but next year the Wand is back."

Silva faced Brian Stann in a Light heavyweight bout on 3 March 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV 8. The fight was notable as it was Silva's return to the Saitama Super Arena, where Pride FC ran the majority of its shows. Silva defeated Stann via KO in the second round in a bout that featured back and forth action, and earned both participants Fight of the Night honors. This fight also earned him the Knockout of the Night award totalling his bonus earnings to $100,000 for this fight.

On 22 October 2013, it was announced that Silva will be coaching The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3, against long-time rival Chael Sonnen. A bout with Sonnen, briefly attached to UFC 173, then at The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Finale, was expected to take place on 5 July 2014 at UFC 175. Dana White later stated the fight had to be moved back when Silva injured his hand and back during a brawl with Sonnen that took place during filming of the show. Silva was ultimately pulled from the fight entirely after he failed to submit an application to fight in the state of Nevada, as well as his refusal to undergo a random drug test and was replaced by Vitor Belfort. On 10 June 2014, it was later reported that Chael Sonnen failed a drug test and would not be allowed to fight on UFC 175 card, as a result of the failed drug test, Sonnen announced his retirement from the sport the following day. As a result of his refusal to submit to the drug tests, Silva was given a lifetime ban and a $70,000 fine by the Nevada State Athletic Commission at their meeting on 23 September 2014.

In May 2015, judge Kerry Earley overturned the lifetime ban that was imposed on Wanderlei Silva by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

In January 2016, following an apology to the UFC about their "fight-fixed" [a.k.a. fight fixing] and retracting his statement, he was released from his UFC contract. This allowed him to do whatever he wanted with his career.

Rizin FF Subsequent to his ban, Silva competed in a tag team grappling match with Kiyoshi Tamura against former opponent Kazushi Sakuraba and Hideo Tokoro at an event on 17 April 2016 for startup regional promotion Rizin Fighting Federation. The official result of the match was deemed a draw.

In July 2016, it was announced that Silva would return to mixed martial arts competition in Japan as part of Rizin's 16-man openweight tournament beginning 25 September 2016 in Tokyo. Silva was scheduled to face Mirko Cro Cop in a trilogy bout on 29 December in the Rizin Open Weight quarter finals.

Bellator MMA In early March 2016, Bellator MMA announced that Silva had signed a multi-fight contract with the organization. The previous lifetime ban handed down by the Nevada State Athletic Commission was reduced to a three-year suspension retroactive to 24 May 2014. He was eligible for reinstatement beginning 25 May 2017. The ban would not prevent Silva from competing at Indian Casinos or in Japan.

After four years away from the sport, Silva made his delayed Bellator debut against Chael Sonnen in the main event at Bellator NYC on 24 June 2017. Silva lost a unanimous decision.

On 25 June 2018, Bellator MMA announced that Silva would face Rampage Jackson in a fourth match on 29 September 2018 at Bellator 206. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.

On 29 September 2019, news surfaced that Silva's contract with Bellator had expired.

On September 1, 2022, Silva officially announced his retirement from MMA, expressing interest in boxing, calling out Dan Henderson.

Global Fight League On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Silva was eligible to be drafted in the Global Fight League. However, despite not having been drafted for the 2025 season, Silva was scheduled to be the manager for the Los Angeles GFL team. However, all GFL events were postponed indefinitely.

Fighting style Silva was famous for his brawling, relentless style of Muay Thai, which was described as being "feral" and carrying "a terrifying ferocity". His main strength was his offensive striking and use of hooks, soccer kicks and stomps. Though his grappling expertise was initially considered inferior to his striking skills due to his preference for ground and pound, he had a refined Brazilian jiu-jitsu transitional game.

On 26 August 2012 Silva's father, Holando Pinheiro da Silva, died in a car accident in Brazil.

In April 2016, Silva became an American citizen.

After years of living in the United States, Silva moved back to his hometown, Curitiba in Brazil.

Wanderlei Silva ran for federal deputy representing Paraná for the PSD in the 2018 elections, in which he obtained 13,755 votes, not being elected. He attempted to run for a second time in the 2022 elections for Progressistas.

On 8 October 2020, Sem Coleira, a Portuguese biography book about Silva was published.

Wand Fight Team Wand Fight Team is a mixed martial arts training organization headed by Wanderlei Silva. It was founded in 2009 in Las Vegas, with a former franchise in Pensacola, Florida.

The Las Vegas location features several famous MMA Instructors, including, Leandro Lorenco (BJJ), Michael Costa (Muay Thai & MMA), Pete Martin (Kids Wrestling & Fitness) and Erik Perez (Fitness).

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC Hall of Fame (Pioneer Wing, Class of 2024) Fight of the Night (Five times) vs. Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin 1, Cung Le, Rich Franklin 2, and Brian Stann Knockout of the Night (One time) Most knockouts in Zuffa, LLC (UFC, Pride, WEC, Strikeforce) history (19) Most knockdowns in Zuffa, LLC (UFC, Pride, WEC, Strikeforce) history (27) Tied (Donald Cerrone & Jim Miller) for third most finishes in Zuffa, LLC (UFC, Pride, WEC, Strikeforce) history (20) (behind Mirko Cro Cop & Charles Oliveira) Third most wins in Zuffa, LLC (UFC, Pride, WEC, Strikeforce) history (27) (behind Donald Cerrone & Jim Miller) UFC.com Awards 2007: Ranked #3 Fight of the Year 2008: Ranked #7 Knockout of the Year 2009: Ranked #6 Loss of the Year & Ranked #4 Fight of the Year 2011: Ranked #10 Knockout of the Year , Ranked #9 Upset of the Year & Ranked #8 Fight of the Year 2013: Ranked #8 Knockout of the Year & Ranked #2 Fight of the Year Pride Fighting Championships Pride Middleweight Championship (One time, first) Four successful title defenses Most successful title defenses in PRIDE FC history (4) Most successful title defenses in the history of PRIDE FC Middleweight division (4) Most consecutive successful titles defenses in PRIDE FC history (4) Most consecutive successful title defenses in the history of PRIDE FC Middleweight division (4) Longest title reign in PRIDE FC history (1939 days) Longest undefeated streak in PRIDE FC history (20) Wrestling Observer Newsletter 2001 Feud of the Year 2001 Most Outstanding Fighter 2003 Fight of the Year 2004 Fight of the Year 2004 Most Outstanding Fighter Sports Illustrated 2004 Knockout of the Decade MMA Fighting 2004 Light heavyweight of the Year 2004 Fight of the Year 2013 Best Fight of the Half-Year Sherdog 2004 Fighter of the Year Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame World MMA Awards 2008 Fight of the Year vs. Chuck Liddell at UFC 79 2008 Knockout of the Year vs. Keith Jardine at UFC 84 Yahoo Sports 2007 Fight of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Quinton Jackson TKO (punches) Bellator 206

San Jose, California, United States Loss

Chael Sonnen Decision (unanimous) Bellator NYC

New York City, New York, United States Win

Brian Stann KO (punches) UFC on Fuel TV: Silva vs. Stann

Saitama, Japan Loss

Rich Franklin Decision (unanimous) UFC 147

Belo Horizonte, Brazil Win

Cung Le TKO (knees and punches) UFC 139

San Jose, California, United States Loss

Chris Leben KO (punches) UFC 132

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Michael Bisping Decision (unanimous) UFC 110

Sydney, Australia Loss

Rich Franklin Decision (unanimous) UFC 99

Cologne, Germany Loss

Quinton Jackson KO (punch) UFC 92

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Keith Jardine KO (punches) UFC 84

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Chuck Liddell Decision (unanimous) UFC 79

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Dan Henderson KO (punches) Pride 33

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Mirko Cro Cop KO (head kick) Pride Final Conflict

Saitama, Japan Win

Kazuyuki Fujita TKO (punches and soccer kicks) Pride Critical Countdown

Saitama, Japan Win

Ricardo Arona Decision (split) Pride Shockwave 2005

Saitama, Japan Loss

Ricardo Arona Decision (unanimous) Pride Final Conflict 2005

Saitama, Japan Win

Kazuhiro Nakamura TKO (punches) Pride Critical Countdown 2005

Saitama, Japan Win

Hidehiko Yoshida Decision (split) Pride Total Elimination 2005

Osaka, Japan Loss

Mark Hunt Decision (split) Pride Shockwave 2004

Saitama, Japan Win

Quinton Jackson KO (knees) Pride 28

Saitama, Japan Win

Yuki Kondo KO (stomps) Pride Final Conflict 2004

Saitama, Japan Win

Ikuhisa Minowa KO (punches) Pride Bushido 2

Yokohama, Japan Win

Quinton Jackson TKO (knees)

Win

Hidehiko Yoshida Decision (unanimous)

Win

Kazushi Sakuraba KO (punch) Pride Total Elimination 2003

Saitama, Japan Win

Hiromitsu Kanehara TKO (corner stoppage) Pride 23

Tokyo, Japan Win

Tatsuya Iwasaki TKO (head kick and punches) Pride Shockwave

Tokyo, Japan Draw

Mirko Cro Cop Draw (time limit) Pride 20

Yokohama, Japan Win

Kiyoshi Tamura KO (punch) Pride 19

Saitama, Japan Win

Alexander Otsuka TKO (doctor stoppage) Pride 18

Fukuoka, Japan Win

Kazushi Sakuraba TKO (doctor stoppage) Pride 17

Tokyo, Japan Win

Shungo Oyama TKO (punches) Pride 14 - Clash of the Titans

Yokohama, Japan Win

Kazushi Sakuraba TKO (knees and soccer kicks) Pride 13 - Collision Course

Saitama, Japan Win

Dan Henderson Decision (unanimous) Pride 12 - Cold Fury

Saitama, Japan NC

Gilbert Yvel NC (Yvel kicked in groin) Pride 11 - Battle of the Rising Sun

Osaka, Japan Win

Guy Mezger KO (punches) Pride 10 - Return of the Warriors

Saitama, Japan Win

Todd Medina KO (knees) Meca Vale Tudo 2

Curitiba, Brazil Loss

Tito Ortiz Decision (unanimous) UFC 25

Tokyo, Japan Win

Bob Schrijber Submission (rear-naked choke) Pride Grand Prix 1st Round

Tokyo, Japan Win

Daijiro Matsui Decision (unanimous) Pride 8

Tokyo, Japan Win

Carl Malenko Decision (unanimous) Pride 7

Yokohama, Japan Win

Tony Petarra KO (knee) UFC 20

Birmingham, Alabama, United States Win

Eugene Jackson TKO (submission to punches) IVC 10: World Class Champions

Brazil Win

Adrian Serrano KO (punches and soccer kick) IVC 9: The Revenge

Aracaju, Brazil Loss

Vitor Belfort TKO (punches) UFC Brazil

São Paulo, Brazil Win

Mike van Arsdale KO (punch and soccer kick) IVC 6: The Challenge

São Paulo, Brazil Loss

Artur Mariano TKO (doctor stoppage)

Win

Egidio da Costa TKO (submission to punches)

Win

Sean Bormet KO (kick)

Win

Marcelao Barbosa TKO (shoulder injury) Brazilian Vale Tudo 10

Brazil Win

Dilson Filho KO (punch) Brazilian Vale Tudo 6

Brazil

Exhibition boxing record

Submission grappling record + Result Opponent Method Event Date Round Time NotesDraw Kazushi Sakuraba and Hideo Tokoro Draw Rizin FF 1 2016 1 15:00

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2005 Nagurimono Morte 2012 Here Comes the Boom Himself 2018 Kickboxer: Retaliation Chud

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