As we move into the coming week before UFC 84, many questions are going to be asked in regards to the three main card matchups that will be featured. One of those questions will be whether or not the Axe Murderer is going to be the fuel behind Wanderlei Silva. Is the dominating terror from PRIDE going to steamroll Keith Jardine?

From a fan’s perspective, I must argue a biased opinion that Wanderlei Silva must come into this bout with a hunger to destroy Keith Jardine. Playing it safe will never be Wanderlei’s gameplan and his legacy as an absolutely scary nightmare of an opponent needs some validation to the UFC fanbase. There were days in the past when Wanderlei’s entrance to the PRIDE ring caused shivers down spines and created hysterical excitement from even the most hardcore fans. Those days have passed by, but I believe Wanderlei has one more run in his tank.

Luke Thomas pointed out that Jardine’s style doesn’t bode well for Silva’s assumed gameplan of rushing forward. His analysis is spot on that Jardine’s use of his range will be a formidable counter to Silva’s rushes, and it should be a big test to see whether Silva can get inside on Jardine. While I agree with his assessment, I’m going to go against the grain in this particular matchup. I’m picking Wanderlei Silva.

As of late, I’ve been increasingly becoming more and more disappointed with the current pedigree of fighters coming out of the minor leagues. While I understand that wrestling and ground control is a huge advantage, it makes for some ridiculously boring battles at times. Jiu-jitsu’s chess game and strategy adds a lot of excitement for me, but the ground and pounders with little submission ability continue to litter the canvas of the future. The only real plus is that there is still a lot of talent out there that hasn’t reached my ears yet that will likely surprise us all.

I’m ready to move back to a nostalgic period for one weekend. I want to see the old Wanderlei Silva. The man who came to the ring with a grudge on his face, an evil stare that could strike fear into your heart, and the menacing demeanor that was the Axe Murderer. In his most recent bout with Chuck Liddell, I saw the Silva that wanted to please fans. I want to see the Silva that needs to prove to us that he is still menacing. All business, heavy hands, relentless rushes, and no guts, no glory… one last run for the fans who remember your dominance.