The Axe Murderer

It's probably the most intimidating nickname in the sport, and it's as unique as it is appropriate for the man who carries it.

Wanderlei Silva is one of the most feared fighters in the world at 205 pounds. He holds a 31-7-1 record in mixed martial arts which, against the level of competition he has faced, is impressive. But it's not as impressive as actually watching Wanderlei fight.

Chute Boxe is considered the best camp in Brazil in terms of Muay Thai, and standup in general, and it has been for years. Wanderlei Silva is the reson why.

To say that Wanderlei is aggressive during his fights would be like saying that Fedor Emelianenko has a good ground and pound. It's a gross understatement. Wanderlei Silva comes to a fight looking to put his opponent's nose through the back of his head. His knees are one of the most devisating weapons at any weight and his raw energy, whether utilizing his legendary knees from the Thai clinch or attacking his opponent with punches and kicks in open space, is what makes him one of the most entertaining fighters (whether winning or losing) in the world.

Wanderlei recently signed a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and it will be his first fight in the organization since he lost a 5 round decision to Tito Ortiz in April of 2000.

When Silva lost to Ortiz he left the UFC and did something incredible: he went 16-0-1 over the next four and a half years. While a fight with Mark Hunt (who is a world class kickboxer, has the greatest chin in the sport and holds a 45 pound weight advantage over Silva) ended that streak with a close decision, it is still one of the great rolls in the history of the sport.

During that run, Silva beat 14 of his opponents without the help of the judges, all by KO or TKO. Notches on his belt during that period include current PRIDE 205 and 185 pound champion Dan Henderson (unanimous decision), current UFC 205 pound champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (TKO), Kazushi "The Gracie Hunter" Sakuraba (TKO, three times), Olympic Gold Medalist Hidehiko Yoshida (Decision) and Japanese legend Yuki Kondo (TKO).

Silva is a legend, but the one matchup that the world has been waiting to see is that of Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva vs former UFC lightheavyweight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell.

Now that Wanderlei has signed with the UFC, we may finally get to see that fight. We may also be treated to the rubber match between Silva and Dan Henderson (their third fight, Silva won the first by decision and Henderson won the second by KO) as well as a rematch for "Rampage" Jackson (Silva KO'd Jackson in 6:28 seconds of their first meeting).

It's a big deal for the UFC because, though Silva lost his PRIDE belt to Henderson, Silva is a legend and to see that legend in the Octagon again is a big deal for long time MMA fans, and gives new fans a chance to see the history of the sport.