Wand says Vitor Belfort is a Lion when hitting, but that he can’t take a punch

“The Axe Murderer” is hoping that fellow Brazilian Vitor Belfort will emerge victorious against Chris Weidman at May’s UFC 173 event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This is not because Wanderlei and Belfort are best friends, but because Silva wants to be the first guy to challenge “The Phenom” for the 185-pound strap, this after he defeats Chael Sonnen at the conclusion of “TUF: Brazil 3.”

Wandy recently did an interview with Globo’s Combate, where he discussed the upcoming middleweight title fight and what it will take for both men to win:

“I think in the first two rounds, Vitor Belfort is the favorite. More on the first until half the second. If Weidman can hold Vitor’s initial rush and impose his own rhythm by taking him down, I think he takes. But I think Belfort is a dangerous guy and has every chance of winning. I want him to win, and I want to beat Sonnen, because I want to be the first challenger for his belt! But I want him to get off victorious, he is a guy who is showing good performances and has all the chances. If he trains properly, clenches his teeth and doesn’t flinch, because he is a lion when hitting, but when he takes [a punch], we know what happens. He can not let this ‘Belfort side’ of his really emerge. The thing is to clench his teeth and even if he gets hit, awaken his lion heart. He is representing Brazil, pull that strain from the inside and try to the end. That’s what we want.”

Vitor and Wanderlei began their rivalry at the “UFC Brazil” event in October of 1998. That evening, “The Phenom” shocked the “Axe Murderer,” winning the fight in just 44 seconds with a highlight reel knockout.

If Belfort and Silva both prove victorious this May, would a rematch between the pair of Brazilian bombers be something you would like to see put together by UFC officials? Sound off Penn Nation!