D. White (photo) did not like Wand's criticism. Photo: Reproduction
The controversy between Brazilian Wanderlei Silva, retired since last year, and the UFC, his former employer, added another chapter last weekend. Through social media, Wand complained about what he classified as a “slavery” regime in his situation with Ultimate, with whom he is still under contract. The statements were passed on to event president Dana White, who was quick to blame the athlete himself for the confusion.
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Banned from MMA for life by the Nevada Athletic Commission after a long process triggered by his escape from a surprise doping test and subsequent confession of using banned substances (in this case, diuretics), Wand has no prospect of playing for the UFC since joining in dispute with the organization and requested the release of the current agreement. “Did you know that I am being persecuted, discriminated against and treated as a slave for this event? They don't want to release me from the contract. So I can't work, but it's my right not to want to work for them anymore. (…) I come here to ask the UFC to free me from this system of slavery where you either work for them or you can’t work anywhere. Can any generous soul translate and send it to Dana, please?”, said “Crazy Dog”, through his profile on Facebook.
Dana White's reply was direct and blunt, and came during the press conference after UFC Fight Night Rio, in the early hours of Sunday (22), at Ginásio do Maracanãzinho. “Wanderlei Silva ran from an anti-doping test. If he is a slave, he is a slave to himself, to his own error. Everything Wanderlei did wrong, he brought on himself. I know that, you know that, and everyone knows that”, said the leader.
At 38, Wanderlei Silva He has a record of 35 wins, eleven losses, one draw and one unsuccessful fight. Former champion of the extinct PRIDE, Wand has not fought since 2013, when he knocked out Brian Stann in the main fight of UFC Japan. In Ultimate since 2007, Wanderlei did not make his official farewell to the Octagon, as the duel against his rival coach on TUF Brasil 3 Chael Sonnen never got off the ground. Currently, the “Mad Dog” is trying to appeal against the Nevada Athletic Commission's decision to ban him forever from MMA in the state, and consequently in several other regions that follow the resolutions of the sport's main regulatory body.
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