Interview: Wanderlei Silva - 11/26/2003
by Ron Merrill

Its only been a few short weeks since Wanderlei The Axe Murderer Silva took home the gold by winning the Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix with his defeats of Kazushi Sakuraba, Hidehiko Yoshida and Quinton Rampage Jackson. Upon his return to Brazil, Wanderlei was immediately swept up in the unprecedented media frenzy. Since his momentous homecoming, Silva has been bound with obligations from one news outlet to the next, all the while spreading the word of MMA and making himself available to his fans. Due to his busy schedule, I was extra grateful that Wanderlei consented to this interview and Julio Heller was kind enough to interpret for me.

InsideFighting: First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us. Im sure you must be very busy. Congratulations on your victory in Pride FC.
Wanderlei Silva: We are never too busy to talk with our friends and fans.

IF: I have seen you preparing in the moments before a fight by kicking and punching the Thai pads with your trainers. Is there anything else that you do in order to achieve the proper mind set for fighting?
Wand: Concentration, focus and motivation.

IF: Do you ever listen to music before a fight in order to prepare mentally? If so, what kind of music do you like?
Wand: Before the fight I like to pray, Im Catholic and I ask for God to protect me and support me to achieve my goal in the ring. Music is for training and to celebrate the victories.

IF: Wanderlei, you appear very confident before fights. Do you ever become nervous before entering the ring?
Wand: Yes, I think that every fight is a new experience, with pressure and expectations. When I get into the ring everything disappear and I just think in the fight.

IF: What did you do after the fight with Yoshida in order to prepare for Quinton Jackson? How did you refocus, relax or reenergize yourself?
Wand: I had a good massage, food and some minutes sleeping.

IF: Would you like to avenge your losses to Tito Ortiz and Vitor Belfort?
Wand: Yes, but first they must have a belt to challenge me. Until then, stay on the line...

IF: Which UFC fighters would give you the most trouble in a fight?
Wand: Im well-trained now, living a wonderful moment, probably the best in my life, having the respect of the MMA community and fans. I dont care which UFC fighters I gonna face in the ring.

IF: I heard you say that you are going to return to training after resting for a week. Do you expect to face Quinton in December or has there been discussion of facing a different opponent?
Wand: I dont know, just rumors but I would like to kick his ass again, why not!!!

IF: You told the Japanese media that you would fight at heavyweight after the middleweight Grand Prix was finished. Do you still intend to switch to heavyweight?
Wand: I dont know either. Right know Im with 100 kg. I can guarantee that if I move to the heavyweight I will make my best there too.

IF: If you switch to heavyweight, are you concerned about fighters like Cro Cop, Fedor and Nogueira in the heavyweight class?
Wand: No. Well-trained, I can face anyone.

IF: How would you defeat each of the 3 fighters I just mentioned if you faced them?
Wand: Playing my game, using my techniques and being aggressive.

IF: How do you feel about certain members of Chute Boxe leaving the team? (Anderson, Assuerio)
Wand: We live in a Democracy in Brazil. I think that everyone must have the opportunity to choose the best way to their lives. Good luck and God bless you guys!!!

IF: Your son Thor is a good-looking little guy. Who does he get his good looks from?
Wand: From his mother. From his father I expect that he take an example of discipline, good behavior and knowledge.

IF: Will Thor be the next Axe Murderer?
Wand: Yes, for sure! Better than his father!!

IF: Final Thoughts?
Wand: Vale Tudo is getting more famous in the U.S. now. We hope to go there to fight for my fans as soon as possible. We don't know when yet but it is our dream. We want to show Americans our techniques and good fights, soon we will have news!

IF: On behalf of InsideFighting.com, I wish to thank you for your time!
Wand: You welcome.

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