Wanderlei Silva Vs. Quinton Jackson - Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Wanderlei Silva signed with the UFC in August 2007, and had two fights in the organization, a decision loss to Chuck Liddell at UFC 79, and a 36 second knockout victory over Keith Jardine at UFC 84. Quinton Jackson joined the organization in December 2006, became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion with a technical knockout of Chuck Liddell at UFC 71, and successfully defended the belt at UFC 75 against Dan Henderson. Jackson then lost the championship to Forrest Griffin in a decision at UFC 86.

It was announced that the third fight between Wanderlei Silva and Quinton Jackson would take place at UFC 92. The winner between the two would likely be the next challenger for the UFC's Light Heavyweight Championship. "Showdown" Joe Ferraro expected the third fight between Silva and Jackson to "steal the show" at UFC 92, and would "no doubt be one for the ages." Jason Probst of Sherdog expected the fight to be a "solid fight at worst" and an "epic struggle at best." Adam Morgan of FiveOuncesofPain.com predicted another "classic battle" between the two. Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports added that it would not be a surprise if the contest turned out to be the fight of the year.

The fight was announced after a series of personal incidents involving the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Among them were Jackson's split with former trainer and mentor, Juanito Ibarra, relocation to the UK-based training camp, Wolfslair, hit and run arrest, and possible jail time. There were questions surrounding Jackson's mental health, following an apparent episode of delirium on the day of his arrest on July 15, 2008. UFC President Dana White attributed the condition to a combination of Jackson not eating and sleeping for four days, while drinking only water and energy drinks. White added that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the incident. Jackson's personal problems and mental state became central issues for those who analyzed the fight, including for Randy "The Natural" Couture, a fighter noted for his exceptional ability in fight analysis. After consideration of these events, speculation arose as to whether putting Jackson back into action against Silva would be too soon.

Wanderlei Silva reiterated his dislike for Jackson in pre-fight interviews, and asserted that his sentiments toward Jackson have not changed since their previous fight. In an interview with UFC.com, Silva stated that he was not fighting Jackson for money, but for "pure pleasure." He again cited Jackson's apparent insults toward him on the internet to account for the animosity. Jackson on the other hand, insisted that the third fight with Silva was not about avenging his two prior defeats, but was "merely his job." He also added that the third encounter with Silva was inevitable, especially after Silva signed with the UFC.

Silva and Jackson had another brief altercation, this time at the UFC 92 weigh-ins. After both tipping the scales, they participated in an intense staredown for photography. In the course of the staredown, Wanderlei Silva shoved Quinton Jackson before the UFC officials and security quickly intervened. Jackson could be seen smiling and saying something to Silva immediately preceding the scuffle. Jackson followed with his trademark howl and a "throat-slashing" gesture, as Silva was escorted away.