Belfort recalls the knockout 20 years ago to challenge Wanderlei Silva: 'Do you want a rematch?'

Belfort wants to face Wand once again (Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/Montagem SL)

Last Tuesday, October 16th, the UFC celebrated 20 years since the first event held in Brazil, in São Paulo, in the now distant year of 1998. The date was marked not only by the debut of Ultimate in Brazilian lands, but, also, by the fulminant knockout of Vitor belfort em Wanderlei Silva, in the classic scene in which the carioca crossed the octagon striking the Curitiba native, who was knocked out in 44 seconds.

See too

Bellator announces heavyweight GP final between Fedor and Bader for January 2019

Dana White minimizes conflict with Khabib: 'Everything will be resolved'

Since then, Vitor and Wanderlei have had a fierce rivalry, full of provocations, which almost culminated in a rematch after the pair captained the first edition of TUF Brazil, in 2012 – an injury to the 'Phenomenon''s hand ended up canceling the fight. However, if it depends on the fighters, the second meeting could take place next year.

Through his social networks, Belfort recalled the historic episode and took the opportunity to challenge Wand, complete with provocation. "And there, Wanderlei Silva, do you want your rematch?
No problem! I will treat your traumas with another knockout”, wrote the former UFC champion, who had already considered facing his compatriot a few weeks ago.

Without a contract with any organization since leaving the UFC in May this year, Vitor belfort He has already admitted that his plans to hang up his gloves are no longer a priority, and that a return to the cage must come to fruition. Wanderlei Silva, in turn, has a contract with Bellator, an organization in which he had two fights, being defeated in both: he was dominated by Chael Sonnen and knocked out by Rampage Jackson.

Check out Vitor Belfort's post:

 

Visualizar esta foto no Instagram.

 

Facing your challenges is the first step to success. At the time of this fight I had a lot of health problems. It was a period in which I questioned several aspects of my life. But he had a dream, and that dream was bigger than all the difficulties he was experiencing. I prayed a lot, I asked God a lot to show me the path I should follow. And thank God, in a miraculous way I woke up on the day of the fight without any pain. This victory was not just mine, but ours! From the whole team. If it weren't for them I wouldn't have been able to be there. I thank everyone who participated: master Carlson Gracie, my mother the famous owner @jovitabelfort, professor @alvaroromano, Daniel Vieira and the entire Carlson Gracie team @amaury.bitetti Most people don't know, but for a long period before this fight, my head hurt so much that I ended up having to be heavily medicated to endure the pain. And due to the amount of medication I took, what was supposed to cure me ended up affecting my labyrinth. But my dream was bigger and God honored my heart's desire... Not only did I fight, but I had a quick victory with a devastating knockout of my opponent. But as you can see, losers always find excuses. Cowards are those who don't face their fears. I consider myself brave. Like all human beings, I have fears and misgivings. But I never give in to them... Remember that behind those who try to hurt you, there is usually a wounded soul. So @wandfc, do you want your rematch? No problem! I will treat your traumas with another knockout. Check out the teaser for this Special about the first UFC in Brazil! Watch at 19:30 pm on SporTV 2 and at 21 pm on Combate: “44s for history: the first UFC in Brazil”. It will be tonight

A publication shared by Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort (@vitorbelfort) on 16 from Oct, 2018 at 1: 16 PDT