The main event at UFC on Fuel 8 is a battle between two heavy hitters. MMA legend Wanderlei Silva (34-12-1(1) MMA; 4-7 UFC) faces Brian Stann (12-5 MMA; 6-4 UFC). This five round Light Heavyweight fight caps off the six fight main card on Fuel. UFC on Fuel 8: Silva vs. Stann airs live from the famous Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan, this Saturday, March 2. The main card begins on Fuel at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
This is a battle between two definite strikers. On one side, you have Wanderlei Silva, a man who made his legend as a brutal striker in Japan. On the other side, Brian Stann will look to spoil The Axe Murderer’s Japanese homecoming. Though both men have been competing as Middleweights lately, this fight will be back up at Light Heavyweight – a former divisional home to each man. The move comes at Silva’s request as he no longer wanted to make the cut to 185, while Stann agreed to take the fight regardless.
How do these two stack up?
Silva: 36 years old | 5’11” | 74″ reach
Stann: 32 years old | 6’1″ | 74″ reach
What have these two done recently?
Silva: L – Rich Franklin (UD) | W – Cung Le (TKO) | L – Chris Leben (KO)
Stann: L – Michael Bisping (UD) | W – Alessio Sakara (KO) | L – Chael Sonnen (Sub)
How did these two get here?
“The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva is one of the true legends of our sport. The former Pride Light Heavyweight champion was once arguably the most feared man in MMA. His current 3-5 UFC run has come in the very twilight of his career, and has not been his best work, and yet he still has pulled off some amazing moments, including a defeat of Cung Le and an impressive showing with Franklin last time out. This will be his first time fighting back in Japan since the Pride Grand Prix in 2006 – expect a hero’s welcome from the Japanese faithful.
More on UFC on Fuel TV 8: Silva vs. Stann
“The All American” Brian Stann is a former WEC Light Heavyweight champion who made the move down to Middleweight in 2010. He started strong, winning his first 3 in the division, but ran into troubles against the likes of Sonnen and Bisping. A talented fighter and a great story, Stann will always be in high profile fights, though it looks like he has a clear ceiling as a fighter, at least for now. This will be the Greg Jackson trainee’s first Light Heavyweight fight since a loss to Phil Davis three years ago.
Why should you care?
Because when Wanderlei’s music hits in Saitama, it’s going to be awesome. Plus, I expect these two to throw down in a fun fight.
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