March 28, 2024

Wanderlei Silva says he’s fighting ‘Rampage’ Jackson in September

Wanderlei Silva lost to Chael Sonnen in his Bellator debut in 2017.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson in September? It’s a done deal, at least according to the Brazilian.

Silva posted a video on his Facebook page on Wednesday saying that Bellator officials have reached out to him offering a main event clash with “Rampage” in a yet-to-be-announced card in California on Sept. 29.

”Like people say, it’s very hard for a good professional to retire,” Silva said. “I just got a call from Bellator inviting to be part of the Sept. 29 (card) against Quinton Jackson in the main event in California. It’s our fourth bout, I won two of the first three, so it’s 2-1 for me.”

Bellator and Viacom will hold a press conference in New York on June 26 to announce “a new landmark distribution deal” and “a monumental ‘can’t miss’ event.” Bellator president Scott Coker, Silva and Jackson will attend the press conference.

Silva (35-13-1, 1 no-contest) defeated Jackson (37-13) twice by knock out inside the PRIDE ring in 2003 and 2004. They met a third time in 2008, but this time “Rampage” got his hands raised after a brutal first-round knockout.

“The Axe Murderer” competed only once since leaving the UFC, losing to Chael Sonnen via unanimous decision in his Bellator debut in June 2016.

“Rampage” is 4-2 under the Bellator banner, but lost his last two to “King Mo” Lawal and Sonnen. The former UFC light heavyweight champion hasn’t fought at 205 pounds since 2014, going 2-2 in catchweight and heavyweight bouts.

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