The Axe Murderer: A Sherdog Retrospective

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No man in mixed martial arts history has inspired fear quite like Wanderlei Silva, from the vintage wrist rolls and prefight death stare to the savage beatings he handed out with regularity. He embodied violence and aggression.

Silva became MMA royalty under the Pride Fighting Championships banner, as he went on an historic 18-fight unbeaten streak from August 2000 to October 2004, capturing the organization’s middleweight crown in the process. He also won the 2003 Pride middleweight grand prix, strengthening his position as one of the all-time greats at 205 pounds.

Known for his ferocious passion and unmatched warrior spirit, Silva secured a staggering 25 of his 35 professional victories by knockout or technical knockout. Wins over onetime Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight titleholder Quinton Jackson (twice), 1992 Olympic gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida (twice) and former two-division Pride champion Dan Henderson anchor his stellar resume, along with three victories against Japanese icon Kazushi Sakuraba.

Though he walked away under less-than-ideal circumstances -- he was handed a lifetime ban by the Nevada Athletic Commission for dodging a drug test ahead of a scheduled UFC 175 bout with Chael Sonnen -- few can argue with the body of work Silva put together during a remarkable career that spanned three decades, from MMA’s bareknuckle beginnings to its heyday.

As Silva turns over a new leaf in retirement, Sherdog.com staff members and contributors weigh in on their most vivid memories, reflections and appraisals of the 38-year-old Brazilian’s trials, triumphs and importance to MMA:

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