Silva has several options for his first fight with Bellator. Earley ordered Silva to appear before the NSAC for a new hearing on the decision. Although he remains under suspension in Nevada, Silva could fight elsewhere, particularly outside of the United States, where there are less governing bodies that recognize the sanctions applied in the U.S. The athletic commissions in the U.S. generally recognize and honor suspensions from other states. Although The Axe Murderer is supposedly under contract with Bellator, the promotion has worked with Rizin in the past and fans could see Silva fight in Japan. He would go on lengthy tirades against the UFC and UFC President Dana White, claiming they abused fighters and paid them unfairly.
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We all knew it would only be a matter of time until someone would acquire Wanderlei Silva’s services once the UFC announced his release in January.
Silva has gone through the gamut since his last fight against Brian Stann in March 2013.
Silva is one of the most popular MMA fighters in history, though he’s had a rocky road in the last couple of years. The former Pride champion announced his retirement after the NAC handed down a lifetime ban for the drug test refusal, but once that was overturned to a three-year suspension, he set a course to fight again.
Having had a rivalry with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in Pride that is an immediate match-up that comes to mind since Bellator has been making featured bouts with well-known names in the sport. He could come in for an immediate title shot against Liam McGeary at light heavyweight, though the more likely scenario is a rematch against Tito Ortiz.
Silva (33-7-1) is now on a one-fight losing streak.
Who would you like to see him face next? Don’t be surprised if he’s booked as Kimbo Slice’s next opponent.
Clearly aggravated by the manner in which his career had ended, Silva began releasing a series of videos, all more freaky than the last. Silva also has his “Wand Fight Team” and a relationship with Bellator could benefit the athletes who train with him as well.
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Since then, Wanderlei Silva remained silent within MMA until he signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA, as reported by ESPN.
