Belfort Negotiating ‘Axe Murderer’ Rematch

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Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva first went to war at UFC 17.5: “Ultimate Brazil” all the way back in 1998, with “The Phenom” winning by way of first-round technical knockout. Now, nearly 22 years later, they’re in negotiations for a potential do-over.

No word yet on what promotion would host the Brazilian grudge match.

“Wanderlei, keep selling the fight,” Belfort told Combate (transcribed by Adam Martin). “You will get a deserved beating. It will be a pleasure to be able to fight you again. And I’m warning you: try to work the straight strokes, it doesn’t come very open, otherwise you already know what you’re going to receive. Train hard and thank you for being part of the sport.”

I’m not getting my hopes up, simply because we’ve been down this road so many times in the past, not just for UFC (samples here and here), but also for Bellator MMA. For one reason or the other, the fight just continues to fall apart.

17th time’s a charm?