Issue 144
August 2016
Everything that once made ‘The Axe Murderer’ the most dangerous fighter in the world
Use your head
Silva started out in the no-rules promotions of Brazil, where he was at his most violent – throwing men out of the ring and triumphing in bare-knuckle brawls. His only loss was by doctor stoppage – for a cut caused by his own headbutts.
No fear
Stepping up to fight at heavyweight was no big deal. Even though he came out on the wrong end of fights with Mirko Cro Cop and Mark Hunt, he was always up for the challenge.
Thai down
The longtime Pride middleweight champion’s most feared weapons were his knees, which he put to great effect from his aggressive clinch. Look no further than his first two title fights with ‘Rampage’ Jackson for proof.
Deep heat
Fights with Brazilian MMA’s baddest man were always made that much more intriguing because of the animosity between him and his opponents. His staredowns were always intense and got the crowd fired up before a punch was thrown.
Fists of fury
Few fighters had a response for Silva’s ferocious assaults with his hands. They were fast, powerful and usually ended with someone face-down on the canvas. His two-punch combo KO of Kazushi Sakuraba was probably the pick of the bunch.
Feet first
Before he came to America and had to abide by those pesky Unified Rules, Wanderlei loved to put a stamp on fights – literally. He finished a few opponents with brutal stomps and also loved to score with soccer kicks.
If you wrote a list of the most violent men to ever fight in a cage or a ring, Wanderlei Silva’s name would be at the top of it. Trained at the legendary Chute Boxe Academy in Curitiba, Brazil, he became the most feared fighter in the world thanks to a five-year undefeated reign of terror in Pride. During that time he won 18 fights (13 by KO), the 205lb title and the 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix. Although less prolific in the UFC, he was still adored by fans for his endless aggression.
Eight things you need to know about Alistair Overeem
Royal blood
Overeem’s mother is an illegitimate descendent of King William III of the Netherlands.
The Rock
‘The Reem’ also has Jamaican roots, where his father – who doesn’t like violence – still lives today.
London town
The UFC heavyweight even has English roots too. He was born in Hounslow, on the outskirts of London.
Yes sir!
If he wasn’t a fighter, ‘The Reem’ says he wanted to join the military.
Oldereem
Alistair’s elder brother Valentijn introduced him to MMA aged 15. Four years later, he made his pro debut.
Big swing
He was formerly known as ‘The Demolition Man’, and carried a huge hammer to the Pride ring.
Two-time
He’s the only fighter to hold titles in K-1 and MMA at the same time – the 2010 World Grand Prix and Strikeforce heavyweight belt.
Ground game
Despite being known for striking, the 36-year-old has more submission wins (19) than knockouts (18).
Tune In Walk Out
Viva Brazil
Brush off your English-Portuguese dictionary for a playlist from the most patriotic MMA nation
Tema da Vitoria
Eduardo Souto Neto
Fabricio Werdum walked out at UFC 198 celebrating the best of Brazil with a tribute to a sporting legend. More than 40,000 fans roared as he emerged to the ‘Victory Theme’ used by TV station Globo to celebrate the wins of F-1 driver Ayrton Senna in his heyday. However, Stipe Miocic was there to spoil the party, just as he was when Fabio Maldonado walked out to the same tune in 2014. But what better way to kick off a playlist of domestic tracks chosen by some of the stars from the spiritual home of mixed martial arts?
Na Frente Do Reto
O Rappa
Edson Barboza is just one of the fighters who chooses Rio’s reggae rock favorites.
Tropa de Elite
Tihuana
Paulo Thiago’s walkout to a song about the BOPE police unit brought the house down at UFC 134.
A Vida e Tipo Roda Gigante Andrezinho Shock
Thomas Almeida’s chosen slice of favela funk for his fights.
Dancar Na Chuva
Fernandinho
Adriano Martins danced in to this uplifting number for his UFC 192 lightweight fight.
O Grito de um Guerreiro MC Sapao
Rio de Janeiro carioca funk is the pick for 155lb champion Rafael dos Anjos.
Vou Colher Sorrindo
Pregador Luo
Christian rap is what guides Glover Teixeira on his path to victory.
Aondie Esta O Amor
Tiago Rodrigues
A pop ballad – something different for the entrance of bantamweight banger John Lineker.
Ratamahatta
Sepultura
Thiago Silva’s choice of a tribal heavy metal blast is a far cry from a smooth samba.
Hino Nacional Brasileiro
Francisco Manuel da Silva
Rafael Natal wins the most Brazilian points for the national anthem at UFC 197.
Tough Talkin: The Greatest
MMA joined the entire world by paying tribute to Muhammad Ali, who died in June
His victories were memorable but it was how he dealt with losses in the ring and adversity outside of it that made him #TheGreatest for me
John Kavanagh
I’m fighting tears right now. I almost feel like Muhammad Ali was a blood relative. I watched so many of his fights. He really inspired me.
Tyron Woodley
One of the best to ever play the game!
Daniel Cormier
He was a real one of a kind, and we are all insanely lucky that we got a chance to watch him shine.
Joe Rogan
Nobody will ever come close to this man’s greatness. And if they do, they better wake up and apologise.
Conor McGregor
He was the greatest of all time not just because of his boxing. He stood up for what he believed in. Rest in peace champ.
Stipe Miocic
