It's official: Vitor Belfort faces Wanderlei Silva in a rematch after 26 years

Belfort and Wanderlei were coaches for the TUF Brazil season. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

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It took a while, but it's happening! After 26 years of waiting, Wanderlei Silva has finally been attended to and will meet again Vitor belfort in a rematch. According to information from the website 'MMA Fighting', the long-awaited rematch will be a boxing duel, scheduled for September 2nd in São Paulo, at the second edition of Spaten Fight Night.

Unlike their first meeting, which took place in 1998 at UFC 17.5 – Ultimate Brazil, the rematch will take place in a completely different setting. At the time, Belfort, just 21 years old, knocked out Wanderlei, then 23, in just 44 seconds. Now, both have been retired since 2018: the "Phenomenon" is 48, and the "Mad Dog" enters the ring at 49.

Spaten Fight Night

Anderson Silva faces Chael Sonnen in Brazil. Photo: Reproduction

Spaten Fight Night is an initiative by the beer brand Spaten to position itself in the Brazilian market through the world of fighting. The first edition, held on June 15, marked the farewell of Anderson Silva of the Brazilian public, with the fight between the 'Spider' and its biggest rival, Chael Sonnen.

For now, besides the duel between Vitor belfort e Wanderlei Silva, the event still has no other confirmed fights.

Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva Rivalry

W. Silva (left) lost to V. Belfort (right) in 1998 (Photo: UFC)

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The rivalry between the two Brazilian veterans is long-standing and has intensified since their first clash. They almost faced each other on other occasions, but negotiations never materialized. One of the most memorable moments was when they starred in the first season of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, as coaches. They were expected to face each other in the show's final, but an injury forced Belfort out of the fight, and he was replaced by Rich Franklin.

Remember what the first fight between Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva was like

Vitor belfort vs Wanderlei Silva on October 16, 1998 in São Paulo, Brazil. #DWCOTD pic.twitter.com/30d3KGyJii

- danawhite (@danawhite) December 20, 2015