None of the current MW would beat a prime Wanderlei, Jacare has the closest chance. Not only was Wandy a beast he knocked out legitimate HW, fought and dominated in multiple organizations only Rockhold can say that. So what he threw wild punches it was only to get in close enough to clinch. Plus he's the only guy I've ever seen headbutt a man with a laceration on his forehead. We miss you Wanderlei please transfer souls.
Tbh as much i like Pride Wandy, his piss will set a new record on USADA test He was a madman-roidmonster even for Pride standards His war vs prime Hunt was one of the most surreal things in MMA history Hunt got better technique, more striker experience, 40kg on him, best MMA chin ever, heavy hands Wandy fought him only with brawl, and survived to a split decision LOL
Well he was technically a LHW, no? I guess if you count him as a MW I don't think he is that far off. I do think there are a few MWs right now who could beat him in his prime if there was USADA.
He fought at 203 lbs. in PRIDE (their MW division) and 205 lbs. in the UFC before dropping down to 185 lbs. at the end of his career. In short, he was a LHW for most of his career (with about as many fights at heavyweight as he had at middleweight). almost all of his accomplishments from LHW too.
Prime Wand had a chance against anybody in the world. He used to be super fast, hit like a truck, had great MT clinch and best knees in the world. Amazing defense on the ground. Never tapped out not once in his career. Had cardio for days and used to have great recovery even after getting rocked. Before he got knocked out by a left high kick from Mirko, a left hook and H bomb from Hendo and a left hook and follow up shots from Rampage. Those guys ruined his chin but he is still the toughest bastard I have ever seen in my life.
Pride was supposed to take into account the weight discrepancy in their judging. Such a close fight should've gone to the much lighter fighter imo. Either way you see it, it was an awesome war that showcased Wand's brass balls. Hunt was scary as fuck to a non submission based fighter. It was a great competitive fight. I've seen it abt 5-7 times, and my opinion sways bc of the knockdowns vs takedowns and such. But goddamn, just a great fight. I can't think of a contemporary example that could parallel this fight
