Wand in a controversial match with Franklin which the crowd felt the Brazilian won. Photo by Josh Hedges
If on one hand Wanderlei Silva no longer works alongside physical conditioning coach Rafael Alejarra, , as reported first hand by GRACIEMAG.com, training with coach Rafael Cordeiro is going full steam. The trainer was the one to prepare Wand during the greatest phase of his career, in the days of Pride.
“Some guys have good technique, but not a good trainer. He’s a fighter and a great trainer. He understands my style and gets me in good shape for all my fights,” he told MMAWeekly.com in praise.
Now Wanderlei and Cordeiro, back together again since the decision loss to Rich Franklin at UFC 99, are getting ready for Michael Bisping, at the UFC 110 event marking the organization’s maiden venture into Australia, on February 20.
“Bisping is a good opponent and isn’t afraid to fight on his feet. I feel we will have a great fight.”
Wanderlei is fighting without concern for a title or anything of the kind. If a title shot turns up down the road, that is fine. However, the main focus is to put on a show.
“I like to provide my fans around the world with excitement and that’s why I fight. I don’t know if I’ll fight for a title some day but, for now, I just want to make the most of my work. This is my business and my hobby,” he said in finishing.
The event in Australia also features the fight between Rodrigo Minotauro and Cain Velasquez and Mirko Cro Cop versus Ben Rothwell, among others.
Check out the card as it stands –
UFC 110
Sydney, Australia
February 20, 2010
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs Cain Velasquez
Michael Bisping vs Wanderlei Silva
George Sotiropoulos vs Joe Stevenson
Ryan Bader vs Keith Jardine
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs Ben Rothwell
Lutas preliminares
Chris Haseman vs Elvis Sinosic
Stephan Bonnar vs Krzysztof Soszynski
Brian Foster vs Chris Lytle
C.B. Dollaway vs Goran Reljic
James Te Huna vs Igor Pokrajac