Wanderlei Silva

Date of Birth: July 3, 1976

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Wanderlei César da Silva, commonly known as Wanderlei Silva, is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist who gained fame for his aggressive fighting style and remarkable career in the sport. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Silva rose to prominence in the early 2000s, primarily fighting in the Japanese promotion Pride Fighting Championships. Known for his relentless aggression, knockout power, and Muay Thai skills, Silva became a fan favorite and one of the most feared fighters of his era. Silva began his professional career in 1996 and quickly made a name for himself in Brazil before moving to Japan. In Pride, he achieved legendary status, holding the Middleweight (205 lbs) Championship from 2001 to 2007. He had notable rivalries with fighters such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Kazushi Sakuraba, and Ricardo Arona. Silva’s bouts were often brutal and ended in spectacular fashion, whether by knockout or submission. After Pride was bought by the UFC in 2007, Silva transitioned to the American promotion, where he continued to compete against top-tier fighters. While his UFC run was mixed, he remained a beloved figure in the MMA community. Silva retired from active competition in 2018, though he occasionally teases returns to the sport and has participated in other combat sports events.

5 Interesting Facts about Wanderlei Silva

1. Wanderlei Silva is known by the nickname “The Axe Murderer” due to his aggressive fighting style and numerous knockout victories.

2. Silva holds the record for the most wins, knockouts, and title defenses in the history of the Pride Fighting Championships.

3. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2016.

4. Silva has also trained in and competed in bare-knuckle boxing and grappling tournaments.

5. He opened his own gym, Wand Fight Team, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he trains aspiring fighters.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wanderlei Silva

1. “I don’t just want to fight; I want to win. I want to be the best.”

2. “In the ring, my heart is a lion, and I’m going to eat my opponent.”

3. “I’m not afraid of any opponent. I respect them, but I fight to win.”

4. “My life is fighting; it’s what I know, it’s what I love.”

5. “I fight for my family, my fans, and my country. They give me strength.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Wanderlei Silva is estimated to be around $18 million.

Children

Wanderlei Silva has two children: a son named Thor Silva and a daughter named Rafaela Silva. Thor has shown interest in following in his father’s footsteps and has begun training in mixed martial arts.