Wanderlei Silva Announces Run For Seat In Brazilian Congress
MMA legend Wanderlei Silva is trying his hand in politics.
The former PRIDE middleweight champion and UFC and Bellator champion announced on Thursday that he’s running for a seat in the Brazilian congress as a federal deputy.
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“I made this decision because a lot of people complain about our country, a lot of people say nothing works here,” Silva said on his social media.
“In order to change this scenario, I’m running as a candidate for federal deputy in the state of Parana. Our state has never had an athlete with a name representing us and I want to be that person.
“I want to get to Brasilia and bring dignity to our sport and work so it becomes a strong instrument for social inclusion. I’m proof of what sports can do for the youth and I know we can change the lives of many. Besides sports, I’ll fight for strong and efficient public safety that values its professionals.”
Silva had previously tried to go into politics in 2018 for the same position, but he fell short with just 13,753 votes. At the time, he was affiliated wih the Social Democratic Party, but he has now joined the Progressive Party.
The 46-year-old has not competed in MMA since 2018. His record is 35-14-1 with one no contest.
Also in 2018, Silva teased that his fourth bout with Quinton Jackson at Bellator 206 could be his last, but he never officially retired. He lost by a second-round knockout and later said he had several concussion-like symptoms.
Silva hasn’t won a fight since 2013 when he knocked out Brian Stann in Japan.