- Dana White addressed Wanderlei Silva’s UFC Hall of Fame induction
- “The Axe Murderer” had a short but shocking response
UFC president Dana White pointed out that Wanderlei Silva has done enough to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Wanderlei earned it
Speaking to reporters in his UFC 298 post-fight presser, the UFC boss stated that there is no question that “The Axe Murderer” deserves to be in the Hall of Fame considering what he had contributed to the promotion back when the UFC acquired Pride.
“He deserves to be. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame,” White said of Silva. “Back when me and the Fertitas got into this sport and we were huge Wanderlei Silva fans and you know everybody that was a hardcore fan back then was a big fan of Pride and you know a lot of big stars came out of there and Wanderlei has done a lot for the sport in the early days and he deserves to be in there.”
During Silva’s active years as a fighter, he had his fair share of feuds with White and apparently, the UFC executive once declared that the Brazilian will never be inducted into the Hall of Fame. When quizzed for comments, White bluntly said he already forgot about it.
“I’ve been in so many beefs with so many people that I didn’t even remember that till you just told me,” White quipped. “It’s a good thing I forgot it’s a good thing you forgot exactly.”
Wanderlei is grateful
In a reaction video, Silva, who is known for being outspoken and bold, surprisingly was all smiles. In fact, the UFC legend even thanked White for his Hall of Fame induction.
“It’s a dream come true to be part of the sport,” Silva said. “And to have this great support from this beautiful organization. Thanks so much Dana White, for all what you’re doing for us. I’m so glad to be apart of the best event in the world.”
"It's a dream come true." @WandFC reacts to the news that he'll be inducted into the #UFCHOF later this year! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GE72ERPKrV
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
Indeed, Silva is a true pioneer of MMA and is widely regarded as one of the most vicious brawlers of his era. He made his UFC debut in 1998 but lost to Vitor Belfort via first-round TKO. Nevertheless, Silva made a name for himself at Pride where he holds the record for most wins with 22, most knockouts with 15, longest undefeated streak with 20 and longest title reign.
Silva became one of the UFC’s biggest draws after the promotion acquired Pride in 2007. From that point forward, “The Axe Murderer” fought the best fighters in the UFC such as Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin, Rampage Jackson and Michael Bisping.
Silva last fought at Bellator 206 in 2018 where he lost to Rampage via TKO. He finished his MMA career with a 35-14-1-1 record.
Watch White’s full presser below:
