Wanderlei Silva would still welcome a rematch with Vitor Belfort, if the opportunity arises.
As he makes the final preparations to take on Chael Sonnen at Bellator 180, veteran Wanderlei Silva talked to Combate about another longtime rival he would like to face before he calls it a career – Vitor Belfort.
The pair were scheduled to meet in 2012 after the first season of TUF Brazil, but a hand injury removed Vitor from the card, which is something that still feels somewhat unexplained for Silva.
“I believe Belfort had a glorious time in the UFC. He was in great events, great fights, but the Silva rematch is still lacking. Back then he said he broke his hand. Actually, it was a really odd injury, because he’s so careful not to get hurt, he’s so professional. Breaking his hand during a sparring session?”
As for a league for veterans, which is an idea Belfort has been brewing for some time now, Wanderlei would love to be the one to welcome him to it.
“If he wants the veterans league, I would love to welcome him into Bellator. It would be great if we could finally have this rematch. I won’t fall for that flurry of his like the first time. He better come up with something new. That’s a good move, but it’s old now.”
Wanderlei Silva is expected to take on Chael Sonnen in the main event of Bellator 180, on June 24, in New York City. Belfort is coming off a close decision win over Nate Marquardt at UFC 212.