Wanderlei: ‘I Still Have Much to Do’

Wanderlei Silva file photo: Sherdog.com

LAS VEGAS -- A serious knee injury has not cooled Wanderlei Silva’s indomitable passion for mixed martial arts, even though it required reconstructive surgery and will keep him out for the rest of 2010.

“There’s nothing better than that moment when fans resonate with you in the ring,” Silva said. “When I don’t feel that anymore, I’ll stop fighting but not before then. I know I still have much to do. This sport is my life, and I love to fight.”

With 33 career victories, 23 by knockout or technical knockout, Silva remains one of the sport’s most beloved figures. The 34-year-old Brazilian last appeared at UFC 110 in February, when he notched a unanimous decision over “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 3 winner Michael Bisping. Silva was training for a bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116 in July when knee and rib injuries forced him to withdraw and resulted in his current respite.

“It was a difficult decision because this is my job and I was ready to fight, but I respect my fans and the career I’ve had,” Silva said. “I can’t fight if I’m not 100 percent.”

The former Pride Fighting Championships titleholder welcomes the wave of support he has received from his devoted fan base, which remains as loyal as any in the sport.

“It’s wonderful,” Silva said. “People have no idea how they’ve helped me get through difficult times. Any athlete knows that there are days when you’re happy to train and others when you’re sore, tired and have little desire to train. I went through some very difficult times mentally. Many people supported me, and that, to me, is priceless. That’s something goes far beyond money.

“I know I’ve either directly or indirectly inspired many people around the world, and those people deserve my respect,” he added. “It’s a give-and-take relationship. That’s friendship. For me, it’s like a marriage. When one is not right, the other has to be good. One helps the other. There’s a real communication and relationship with my fans. My fans like me and I like them; that will last forever. The respect is mutual.”

Like much of the MMA community, Silva has heard the rumblings about a possible UFC return to his native Brazil. He has not fought in his homeland in more than a decade.

“For me, it would be a dream,” Silva said. “I would really enjoy fighting for my Brazilian fans. There are some great Brazilian UFC fighters. [UFC President] Dana [White] could make it an unforgettable card. I could even help him make a Brazilian dream team to face foreigners. I’d put in [Antonio Rodrigo] ‘Minotauro’ [Nogueira], [Mauricio] ‘Shogun’ [Rua], Anderson [Silva], myself, [Antonio Rogerio] ‘Minotoro’ [Nogueira] and [Junior] dos Santos. That’s six. Actually, there are many fighters who could participate in such an event.

“They’re putting so many Brazilians in fights with other Brazilians,” he added. “It’s time to put us in fights against fighters from other countries. Without a doubt, it would be an event I’d like to participate in. I’d be happy to go in and put on a show for the people in Brazil. I’m sure they’d like my performance.”

Though Silva has long been a fan favorite, his popularity has come with a price. One of the sport’s most violent competitors, the wear and tear brought about by a 14-year career in combat sports has taken its toll. For Silva, the bloodshed was worth it.

“People often say that I want to fight to put on a show and only entertainers do that, but I disagree,” he said. “When I’m in there, it’s about much more than winning or losing. My goal is to stir the emotions of viewers. People no longer just like the athlete who’s invincible. Everyone’s human and has their own ways. People feel the respect I have for them, and I know how important this is for the fans.”

Silva hopes the next generation can benefit from his legacy.

“I’m helping people who are starting to train, and I’m opening doors for others from Brazil,” he said. “Thank God I don’t need money from these people. God gave me what he gave me to pass on my gift.”