PDA

View Full Version : Silva Discusses GP Absence


tuco
10th May 2006, 11:09 AM
Wanderlei Silva’s absence in the Grand Prix is one of the most important and noticeable for any fighter.

“I wanted to fight, by the size of the event and stuff like that, just to make money,” said the Chute Boxe star. “But [PRIDE] didn’t want me to pay what I asked for. They offered me another amount of money, and I didn’t take it. Actually, I’m stressed. I wanted to have some time to spend with my family, my wife and my son, to stay for a while with nothing to do.”

The middleweight champion said he doesn’t know what to expect from the show.

“Actually, the promoters have been setting some matches in order to make possible to some guys to get to the second phase.” Silva said. “I’m not seeing any classic on this first phase. When two real good fighters are ready to fight, like ‘Minotauro’ and ‘Cro Cop’ — up to this moment I haven’t seen any fight like those. I guess on the second phase things would get better once it’s a real tough tournament.”

In 2006, one of Silva’s plans is to defend his title, which could take place in the American edition of PRIDE, set for October in Las Vegas.

“I would really like to face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira ,” he said. “I think he must beat a top [fighter] to get his ‘credential.’ I feel it will be him, someone I really wanted to fight with, because he’s courageous, just like his brother. He holds the punches, gets into the game and I’m sure that I will do with him a very technical fight, with lots of punches on the face than the one I did with Arona. It will be a very exciting fight. He’s definitely someone on my level.”

“The Axe Murderer” also commented about the skirmish he had with Mark Coleman and his team at PRIDE 31.

“Actually, the problem with Coleman will be solved by Shogun himself,” promised Silva. “This fight will happen again and he’s gonna do what he was supposed to do on the first one for good, which didn’t happen the first time. No doubt Shogun still is one of the best fighters in the world.”


Source (http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=4476)

Bon-2
10th May 2006, 10:33 PM
Great that he wants Rogerio. I'm sure Rogerio wants Silva as well. Man that would be a great fight.
I'm still disappointed that Silva isn't in the GP... thanks for the article.

danvari
10th May 2006, 10:55 PM
Silva Vs. Rogerio would be a great title fight, and a win for Rogerio would open the doors open for Shogun Vs. Rogerio II, which should be an amazing fight.

( o Y o )
11th May 2006, 03:57 AM
I personally wonder if Silva wanted more than his last contract, or if PRIDE offered less than his last contract.

I can see them offering slightly less as he is no longer in the same position he was when he signed last time. He is not the only star of the MW division, and he is not the main face for PRIDE anymore. He has also lost one fight, and looked bad in his title defense later in the year.

Grant Ellis
11th May 2006, 04:57 AM
ah, he should just vacate the title and come here and fight chuck liddell for half as much ;)