Besides being one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Wanderlei Silva is one of the most charismatic characters in the sport, and also due to this the UFC has chosen him to be one of the coaches of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil against Vitor Belfort. The former Pride champion was in Rio de Janeiro last week to help promote the second edition of the event in the Marvelous City, where his next opponent fought and defeated Anthony Johnson with a rear naked choke in the first round . Wand discussed the fact that his opponent has fought and he did not.

"It's a long time 'till our fight, there will be enough time to train and to rest. I see no advantage. It is good for both", said the Mad Dog, who completed. "I started training now and I'm happy to be cast in that event. I'm very happy to be back fighting in Brazil, is the main thing for me."

The fighter also compared the rooting way of his compatriots and foreigners. "The Brazilian fan vibrates more, cry more, have a nice energy. One of the reasons I wanted to fight back here and feel that energy to me," said Wand, who revealed some things about the trials of TUF. "The UFC told me that the level is actually very high, really high, and are expecting one of the best seasons of The Ultimate Fighter."

Although he brought his family to live in Brazil during the filming of the reality show, Wanderlei said he plans to return to the United States, but he wants to make a project in Brazil. "I hope to open a school here in Brazil soon, the same project I have in the United States I intend to do here. I want to open some free classes for the people who can not afford. Just do not know where yet, but I'll do it. At first in Curitiba or even here in Rio. "

The idol was concerned with the epidemic of crack(meth) addiction in hishome town and said that the solution can be in the sport. "I do not know how it is here in Rio, but there in Curitiba we have a big problem with crack, kids, 10, 11, 12 years old, and do not even know why they are using. You see your friend doing it, then start too, and so we're losing a whole generation. If we had more MMA schools where these people are, we could save some of them".

The fighter explain why he thinks the solution is in MMA. "We have to take the initiative to warn the guys because it's dangerous. The guy starts to use, can not stop more then the money ends and the guy begins to steal, kill and it's all a vicious circle. We have to cut in the root, cut before it reaches that point, and MMA is a sport very good, because you learn all the martial arts, is not expensive to perform, and what counts is the will power. In these locations we will be able to capture several talents, maybe future champions. "

Another big name in MMA who is also concerned about the situation of young Brazilians and is organizing a project to try to reduce the drug epidemic, is the coach of the Nova União André Pederneiras, president of Shooto Brazil, which holds an event against drugs this year. Wand said he accept the invitation to honor some event edition. "I'll be there with great joy. Dedé is doing a great job not only with his athletes, but in general. Promoting various events, giving opportunities to many people. So Dede is to be congratulated, he is the greatest MMA coach in the world and one of the biggest boosters of the sport too "
 
Wanderlei Silva analyzed the evolution of media in relation to MMA. After the UFC in August past year here in Brazil, the mainstream media came after us, who had specialized media that are with us a long time, but for the masses it is opening now and is very nice, because with that we will have more supporters, more gyms and more events. Also support of more businessmen to invest in new players, so it's all a cycle that I hope that athletes get the support before, because usually people just want to support the guy when he is champion, then the guy is like 'I no longer need' , it's welcome, but it doesn't make much difference then".

Wanderlei also asked businessmen to look well for new talent. "The businessmen should open their eyes to new talent because it is a pretty cheap investment for a great brand exposure. For example, the last event that I fought, fought Shogun, the staff said that approximately one billion people worldwide watched it. So it's a very large extent. The guy who invests there, in new talents, will have a very large return soon in the future".

Since MMA has become fever in Brazil, some soccer teams sought to sponsor athletes during the event, and Wand gave his opinion in relation to this. "Soccer and MMA are different. Just because Flamengo sponsors Aldo, Vasco rooters will not be against him. We can not have the same riots we see in soccer fields, with guys brawling. Our fans are more disciplined, we never had problems with this. It is a promotion of the athlete, in which he makes money. This is very good", said Wanderlei Silva, who said being a fan of Coritiba and joked: "The Coritiba didn't contac me, soon I'll sign with another team, then the Coritiba is left behind. It can be an invitation, why not?"