With news recently breaking that Yushin Okami would test his chin against Vitor Belfort this November, fans of Chris Leben were left wondering what might be next for the Ultimate Fighter O.G. with “The Phenom” off the table.
Enter Wanderlei Silva.
In a match-up sounding as much like the title of a horror movie as a MMA bout, “The Axe Murderer” vs. “The Crippler” seems to be a likely possibility down the road so long as the former PRIDE champion gets his way. Silva spoke to MMAFighting about his desire to fight Leben over the UFC 118 weekend.
“He won’t pass the first two rounds with me,” said Silva of Leben. “I saw his fight with (Yoshihiro) Akiyama. It was a great match, and he beat him in the final round. He’s a tough guy. He had only fought two weeks earlier. I think it will be perfect for my next fight. If he wants me, I’m going to fight him for sure.”
The latter part of the Brazilian’s statement appeared to be in reference to Leben calling him out after defeating Akiyama at UFC 116 last July. Silva was originally scheduled to face the Asian superstar at the event prior to pulling out a few weeks prior with a knee injury.
The thought of Silva and Leben trading shots is one sure to excite fans. Both men are known for their heavy hands and reckless abandon in the ring. In fifty-seven combined victories the two have knocked out thirty-six of the opponents they’ve beaten.
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