Wand Finds Bisping Victory 'Tasty,' Eyes Akiyama Next

Wanderlei Silva had a lot to smile about on the heels of his unanimous decision victory over Michael Bisping at UFC 110 on Feb. 20 in Sydney, Australia.

“This win was probably one of the most tasty of my career. I was eight months out of the Octagon and had to overcome a lot of challenges like the new weight, but I’m happy everything went out fine,” said Silva, who made his career debut at 185 pounds. “I got very close to winning three bonuses. If they had the almost best submission, almost best knockout - I probably would have won also the almost best fight of the night.”

Silva pointed to his recent reunion with former Chute Boxe trainer Rafael Cordeiro as one of the strongest factors for his successful return.

“Since Chute Boxe, (there were) times I didn’t feel in such great sync with my corner. Sometimes it looks like (Cordeiro) has a joystick in his hands,” said the former Pride Fighting Championships 205-pound champion.

Silva wasn’t as upbeat regarding his countryman Antonio Rodrigo Noegueira’s first-round knockout loss to Cain Velasquez in the main event.

“I trained with Minotauro and I could tell he was in such a great shape,” said Silva. “What happened to him was the same that happened to me against Quinton Jackson. He lowered his head and attacked with a cross punch that hit my chin. There isn’t a man on the face of the Earth that can resist a punch from Velasquez or Quinton on the chin. I told Nogueira that in the dressing room after the fight. Which other heavyweight has 40 fights and only 6 losses?”

Silva, who names Nogueira and Randy Couture as the men he most admires in the sport, predicted the Brazilian legend would come back stronger than ever.

As for “the Axe Murderer,” he has his sights targeted at Yoshihiro Akiyama next.

“(Akiyama’s) a very tough opponent and I’ll have to improve my physical training for that fight. Actually, I’m already looking for a new physical trainer. If someone is interested, please send your resume to Wand Fight Team,” he said.

Silva’s complete interview will be released Friday in the 40th edition of PVT Mag (www.pvtmag.com)