Wanderlei Silva Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Nickname

Wanderlei César da Silva, famously known as “The Axe Murderer,” is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist renowned for his ferocious fighting style and his legendary tenure in PRIDE Fighting Championships and the UFC.

He became one of MMA’s most iconic figures, dominating the middleweight division in PRIDE from 2001 to 2007 with devastating knockouts.

Silva’s aggressive approach and fan-favorite bouts against fighters like Quinton Jackson and Mirko Cro Cop cemented his reputation as a fearsome competitor. After retiring in 2014, he transitioned into coaching and business ventures, remaining a beloved figure in the global MMA community.

Profile

• Full Name: Wanderlei César da Silva
• Stage Name: The Axe Murderer
• Born: 3 July, 1976
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Lima, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Occupation: Retired Mixed Martial Artist, Coach, Entrepreneur
• Height: 1.8 m
• Parents: Holando da Silva
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Tea Silva (m. 2002)
• Children: Thor Silva, Rafaela Silva
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $8 million

Early Life and Education

Wanderlei César da Silva was born on July 3, 1976, in Lima, Brazil. Raised by his parents, whose father’s name is Holando da Silva, and details about his mother are unknown, including any siblings.

Growing up in a modest environment, Silva developed an early passion for martial arts, beginning training in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager. Information about his formal education, including schools attended or degrees earned, is not publicly available.

His ethnicity is Brazilian, and his religion is not disclosed. Silva’s tough upbringing and early exposure to combat sports fueled his relentless drive in MMA.

Career

Wanderlei Silva began his career in mixed martial arts in 1996, competing in Brazilian promotions like Brazilian Vale Tudo. His early fights showcased his aggressive striking, earning him a reputation as a formidable fighter.

In 1999, he joined PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan, where he became a superstar. Silva won the PRIDE Middleweight Championship in 2001 by defeating Kazushi Sakuraba and defended the title multiple times with knockouts over fighters like Hidehiko Yoshida and Dan Henderson.

His trilogy with Quinton Jackson, including two iconic knockouts, defined his dominance and cemented his status as a PRIDE legend.

Silva’s career saw a significant transition when he joined the UFC in 2007 after PRIDE’s dissolution. He faced top competition, including Chuck Liddell in a memorable 2007 bout at UFC 79, earning Fight of the Night honors.

Despite a knockout loss to Liddell, Silva rebounded with wins over Keith Jardine and Cung Le. His later UFC tenure included losses to Chris Leben and Vitor Belfort, reflecting the toll of his high-intensity style.

Silva’s final UFC fight was a 2013 knockout victory over Brian Stann, a classic that showcased his enduring heart and power.

After retiring in 2014 due to a lifetime ban from the Nevada Athletic Commission (later overturned), Wanderlei Silva briefly returned to competition in Bellator MMA but did not fight due to injuries. He now focuses on coaching at his Wand Fight Team gym in Las Vegas and mentoring his son, Thor, an aspiring MMA fighter.

Silva’s 2018 UFC Hall of Fame induction for his PRIDE title reign and contributions to MMA highlights his impact. He remains active in the sport through exhibitions and public appearances, inspiring new generations of fighters with his fearless legacy.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @wandfc
• Facebook Handle: Wanderlei Silva
• Twitter Handle: @wandfc

Personal Life

Wanderlei Silva married Tea Silva in 2002, and they have two children, Thor and Rafaela Silva. The family resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Silva runs his training facility.

Known for his intense demeanor in the cage, he is a devoted family man, often sharing moments with his children on social media. Silva’s passion for martial arts extends to training his son, Thor, who is pursuing a career in MMA.

Net Worth

Wanderlei Silva has an estimated net worth of around $8 million USD. His wealth primarily comes from fight purses, bonuses, and sponsorships earned during his PRIDE and UFC careers. Silva also earns from his coaching at Wand Fight Team, merchandise sales, and appearances in media and exhibitions.