Wanderlei (photo) returns to Japan, now at Rizin. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The 'Mad Dog' is back. After announcing his retirement from MMA in 2014, Wanderlei Silva he returned to competitions on the stage that made him famous. The Paraná native was announced as one of the stars of a Rizin Fighting Federation GP, known as 'Novo Pride', which will be held in Japan, where Wand was champion between 2001 and 2007.
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The tournament will be played between 14 fighters with no limit to the number of people. The fights will take place at the famous Saitama Super Arena, starting on September 25th. The quarter-finals would take place on December 29th, with the semi-finals and the big decision taking place on the last day of the year.
Wanderlei Silva, who hasn't fought since March 2013, will now enter the quarterfinals.
In addition to Wanderlei, another former 'Pride' star, Croatian Mirko Cro Cop, will also make his return to the ring in this competition.
Wanderlei Silva and the UFC controversy
Wand hasn't fought since March 2013, when he knocked out Brian Stann at UFC on FUEL 8. Afterwards, the Brazilian would face his rival Chael Sonnen in a duel highly anticipated by fans. But the Brazilian escaped a surprise doping test and was removed from the contest.
The Paraná native announced his retirement the day before he was banned from MMA in the United States. However, after a great battle in court, he reversed the eternal ban and had his new punishment until 2017. But as the RIzin tournament only takes place in Japan, Wand will be able to participate without any problems with the suspension.
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