Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara just entered the Wanderlei Silva sweepstakes.
“The Axe Murderer” was released from his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contract earlier this year after apologizing for a bunch of mean things he said about his former employer. That means he’s free to compete elsewhere, just as soon as he resolves his issues with Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).
Then again, Wandy could blow them off and just head back to Japan with his old PRIDE boss, where NSAC has no jurisdiction.
Either way, Sakakibara is interested and just so happens to have a high-profile opponent in mind, according to his recent conversation with Tass.ru (via Bloody Elbow):
“This month, I will visit the United States, where I will meet with Wanderlei. This is a fighter, which is not only interesting to Rizin, but for fans of combat sports in general. And our job is to answer the wishes of our viewers. If we talk about the fight between Fedor and Wanderlei Silva, there is such a possibility. If the number of those wishing to see the fight between Fedor and Wanderlei Silva will be really great, we will make efforts to ensure that the fight takes place.”
Bellator is also interested in Silva, who may end up on Spike TV regardless of where he signs thanks to Rizin’s broadcast partnership with Viacom.
This latest report probably won’t sit well with “King Mo” Lawal, who blew through the promotion’s heavyweight tournament back in December with the understanding that the winner was likely to move on to fight Emelianenko, after “The Last Emperor” disposed of Jaideep Singh.
I guess that all depends on Wandy.