After more than three years on the sidelines Wanderlei Silva will be making his return to mixed martial arts. The returning “Axe Murderer” will be rehashing an old rivalry when he meets Mirko Cro Cop in December at the Rizin World Grand-Prix in Saitama, Japan.
Silva was present during Sunday’s event in Japan, and was even involved in an altercation with Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennet. But as far as the fights of the night went, the 40-year-old MMA veteran was far from impressed.
“Some of you fought well yesterday, but some of you young fighters disappointed me. You embarrassed me,” Silva said during the post-fight presser (via MMA Fighting). “Fighters scared to go into each other, two or three minutes without action. This is not the UFC. The only thing that can bring you back to this promotion is a good performance, not a win.”
“There’s no place for fearful fighters here. You come to fight or you stay at home. I hope you perform better way in December or you’re not coming back anymore.”
Silva has been known for his stand-and-bang style, making his fights an automatic fan-favorite. And for his trilogy fight against Cro Cop, he promises to show the younger fighters his brand of action.
“I gave my blood in that ring so you could have what you’re having here. Mirko and I will show in December how an epic fight is done, how two gladiators put on a real fight, not two scared fighters in the ring.”
“You embarrassed me yesterday,” Silva said. “I hope you come back better in December, or don’t come back at all.”