Flirting with UFC rival, Wand confirms presence at Bellator event

Wand (pictured) will join other MMA stars at Bellator. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

After being released by the UFC from his contract, the Brazilian Wanderlei Silva, who is officially retired from MMA, is starting to show signs of what his next step should be. Flirting with Bellator and the Japanese event Rizin, which has been known as “New PRIDE”, the “Crazy Dog” was confirmed as a special guest at the UFC rival's next event, still in February.

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Wanderlei will be part of a celebration party for Bellator 149, an event whose main fight will be a duel between Royce gracie and Ken Shamrock. The celebration will be held the day before the event, on February 18th, in one of the bars of the Dave & Buster's chain, a Bellator partner. In addition to Wand, light heavyweight champion Liam McGeary, the next challenger in the category, will be present at the event. Phil Davis, the veteran Tito Ortiz and the star of telecatch Kurt Angle

In its official statement, Bellator highlighted Wand's vast history in the sport. “Having made his first fight in the sport almost 20 years ago, few men have a more legendary CV than Wanderlei Silva. “The Ax Murderer” is a PRIDE and UFC veteran who brings an intimidating and commanding presence every time he steps into the cage. Currently one of the largest free agents of the sport, Silva could return to action soon in the hope of adding new triumphs to his impressive list which already includes: Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba, Ricardo arona, Kazuyuki Fujita, Michael Bisping, Cung le, Brian Stann and Quinton'Rampage' Jackson”, says the official note.

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