After recuperating from an injury that kept him out of action for nearly a year, Wanderlei Silva will return to the Octagon at UFC 132 where he’ll compete against hard-hitting striker Chris Leben.
Nicknamed “The Axe Murderer,” Silva is known for his aggressive and relentless approach and will be taking on one of the tougher competitors in the UFC middleweight division in one of the most anticipated match-ups of the year.
While conducting an interview with UFC Latino in Mexico (courtesy of FightersOnly.co.uk), Silva spoke highly of his opponent and said he expects nothing but an aggressive, entertaining fight.
“He is a fighter who comes at you,” Silva said. “He will not run away, he will try to catch me. I like exchanging hits so much and I am sure we will make a great spectacle.”
“If you like an aggressive match with much emotion, watch it because it will be a big show.”
Silva fought Michael Bisping at UFC 110 prior to suffering a knee injury that left him out of action for the remainder of 2010. It was during that time that speculation began to grow over Silva’s next opponent.
Rumors of competing against rival Vitor Belfort were circulating, but nothing materialized despite Belfort’s attempt of convincing both Silva and UFC president Dana White to schedule the bout.
Silva denied Belfort’s request but said he does intend to meet the fellow Brazilian in the near future.
“He won the first fight by luck [in 1998] but in the second one he will not have the same luck,” Silva said.
“I know how to beat him and he might be the next in line.”
For now, Silva’s intention is to meet Leben at UFC 132 next weekend in a bout he said he is motivated for.
“I have been training for four months for this bout and I still have two weeks and feel good,” he said.
UFC 132 is scheduled for July 2nd, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena from Las Vegas, Nevada.
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