Joe Rogan has always been a big admirer of the man whom they call ‘The Axe Murderer’.
His ferocious performances in PRIDE earned Wanderlei Silva a reputation for being one of the most violent and aggressive men in MMA.
Fellow PRIDE and UFC icon Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson previously stated that everyone was scared of Silva following his remarkable run in Japan.
Having fought several times inside the Octagon before he started to achieve huge success, Silva’s return to the UFC didn’t get off to a great start.
On this day in 2008, he looked to bounce back from a decision loss to Chuck Liddell by reminding everyone what he was truly capable of at UFC 84.
Joe Rogan said Keith Jardine was ‘mercifully saved’ from Wanderlei Silva at UFC 84
UFC 84 on May 24 of 2008 was an important date for Wanderlei Silva who was coming off of three consecutive losses for the first time in his career.
‘The Axe Murderer’ had his back up against the wall but that only made him more dangerous heading into the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Silva’s second outing inside the Octagon since returning to the promotion came against Keith Jardine at light heavyweight.
‘The Dean of Mean’ had beaten Chuck Liddell via split decision last time out and he looked to carry that momentum into another win over a legend of the sport.
Just 20 seconds into the fight, Silva unleashed a trademark flurry of punches with a second one 5 seconds later dropping Jardine down to his knees.
The American got back to his feet but the relentless Brazilian sent him back down to the canvas with some devastating follow-up shots ending the fight in just 36 seconds.
Joe Rogan said when watching the replays that referee Steve Mazzagatti had “mercifully saved” Jardine from taking any more punishment, going on to credit Silva’s ability to put opponents away.
“Keith’s in big trouble here and Wanderlei swarms on him. He’s got probably the best killer and instinct and finishing of any fighter in MMA. If he’s got you hurt, he swarms on you.”
Wanderlei Silva’s UFC career didn’t live up to his run in PRIDE
While he produced some memorable finishes and great clashes, Wanderlei Silva’s return to the UFC didn’t live up to the success that he had in PRIDE.
The Brazilian icon went unbeaten for four years in the promotion where he solidified his status as a legend of the sport.
Following his win over Keith Jardine at UFC 84, Silva would compete 7 more times inside the Octagon, going 3-4 in this stint.
Regardless, Silva was inducted into the pioneer wing of the UFC Hall of Fame last year having not fought since 2018.