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Beyond Fighting: Wanderlei Silva
This Pride Fighter and Father of Two is Mr. Mellow |
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Written by Doug Jeffrey
Photos by Jaimee Itagaki |
 Wanderlei Silva
My nickname is the Ax Murderer. The old UFC matchmaker gave it to me. I think he based that on my look. I guess when I threw a knee, it looked like I was throwing an ax. In Brazil, they also say that I fight like a crazed dog. I do not really care for the nicknames. I just like my last name, Silva.
Where do you live in Brazil?
I live in Curitiba, which is in the state of Parana. This is in the south of Brazil. It is a city that is very famous for its lifestyle, and it's one of the best cities in which to live. The quality of life is much better than the other states.
When you're not fighting, what do you do?
No. 1, I enjoy my family. I like to hang around with them, and I also like to read a lot. I especially like biographies.
If we visited you in Brazil, where would you take us?
I would take you to Florianopolis, which is an island to the south, and Recife, which is an island to the north.
Do you have brothers and sisters?
I have a sister who is 24 and a brother who is 34.
Who are the guys you hang out with?
My best friends are inside the gym. Outside the gym, I am with my wife and kids, and hang out and read. I have two kids. My daughter is nine and my son is three. The little one does BJJ. Is he a future MMA fighter? Sure! (laughing.)
Describe your personality
In business, I am very sharp and I take my career as a fighter very seriously. In the gym, I'm hyper and serious. Outside of fighting, I am mellow and relaxed.
What do you like most about Japan?
I like everything, but the food is near the top of the list. The people and the buildings are all great.
What about the U.S.? What do you like?
I like the lifestyle of the United States, from the quality of life, to the buildings, to technology--the works.
On the street, has anyone ever been dumb enough to get in a fight with you?
I've never been considered a street fighter, but there have been times when I have had to take care of a problem. Today, everyone knows me, so it's unlikely there would be any problems on the street.
How does the public treat you in Brazil?
Everyone supports me. They will stop me and take pictures. They support me 100 percent. They make me feel like role model and look at me like a big athlete. They also say that I'm an example for kids and what they can do with their lives.
Do you enjoy that attention?
I absolutely love it. I love to spend time with the fans.
After you retire, what will you remember the most about fighting?
When I retire, I will miss the victories, the fans, the attention and the pleasure from winning. Plus, I'll miss the feeling I get when I step inside the ring. Being a fighter is like being an artist. I will miss the spotlight, and I will miss the moment.
If you weren't a fighter, what would you do?
I wouild be a lawyer, a cop or a doctor. I'm just teasing! If you're not from a wealthy family in Brazil, the options are limited. The universities are expensive. So I'd probably help my dad in a bar.
Special Thanks
While Wanderlei Silva answered some of the questions in English, he also used Jorge Oliveira as a translator. We want to extend a thank you to him for assisting.
Show comments (2) - Add comments to this article: |
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love this man! he is awesome! cant wait till he beats jardine! Posted by josh, Whose homepage is fufi2007@hotmail.com on May 9, 2008 at 5:54 Wanderlei Silva the most humble, professional fighter in the sport today. I support you with all my heart. all my friends with you here in Vegas, USA support you! True MMA fans support you!! You are true class athlete. VITÓRIA PARA A VIDA WANDERLEI! Posted by Chris Casarez, on May 28, 2008 at 1:24 | 1
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