Vitor Belfort calls out Wanderlei Silva for ‘most anticipated rematch’ in history

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Vitor Belfort calls out Wanderlei Silva for ‘most anticipated rematch’ in history

More than 21 years after their first meeting, Vitor Belfort wants to dance again with an old foe.

Belfort (26-14) who signed with ONE Championship in February, has yet to make his promotional debut and has not competed since his second-round knockout loss to Lyoto Machida at UFC 224 in May 2018, after which he briefly announced his retirement from the sport.

Now looking to return to action a year after signing with ONE Championship, Belfort has called out fellow legend of the sport Wanderlei Silva for a rematch in February under the ONE banner.

The two met back in 1998 at UFC Brazil, when Belfort delivered one of the biggest highlight-reel knockouts in UFC history. He marched forward and steamrolled Silva (35-14-1) in just 44 seconds.

After coaching “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” opposite each other in 2012, Belfort and Silva were scheduled to rematch at UFC 147, but an injury forced Belfort out of the bout and the rematch never materialized.

Hard to top his first performance, Belfort has issued a challenge to Silva, calling it the most anticipated rematch in the history of combat sports.

“THE TIME IS TICKING #42 @wandfc — i heard that you are asking to fight me again?

I hope this is true. I have a Christmas gift for you. — i am willing to give you the most anticipated #rematch that will ever happen in the #mma combat sports history.

Do you accept my GIFT ?

If you do, I already suggest the date and the location. What about the end of February, Singapore 🇸🇬 @onechampionship #ONE is one of the most growing sports organization in the world 🌎

Merry Christmas @wandfc

@yodchatri @onechampjp@onechampionship let’s give to this amazing fans, this fight on the best platform of combat sports.”

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THE TIME IS TICKING #42 @wandfc — i heard that you are asking to fight me again? I hope this is true. I have a Christmas gift for you. — i am willing to give you the most anticipated #rematch that will ever happen in the #mma combat sports history. Do you accept my GIFT ? If you do, I already suggest the date and the location. What about the end of February, Singapore ? Sugiro a data e o local do evento, final de fevereiro, Singapore 🇸🇬 @onechampionship O #ONE é uma das organizações esportivas que mais cresce no mundo 🌎 evento de altíssimo nível. Feliz Natal @wandfc @yodchatri @onechampionship @onechampjp Vamos dar esse presente a todos os amantes do esporte de combate. Eles merecem

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Former PRIDE middleweight champion Silva has reportedly signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, but is yet to make his debut. His most recent two outings ended in defeats to Chael Sonnen and Quinton Jackson and he ended his two-fight tenure in Bellator without a victory.

Vitor Belfort calls out Wanderlei Silva for 'most anticipated rematch' in history