Sherdog’s Top 10: Brazilian Mixed Martial Artists

5. Wanderlei Silva

When “The Axe Murderer” was at the height of his power, there was no one like him. Perhaps the most ferocious and violent fighter to ever compete in MMA, Silva was a maelstrom of lethal punches, kicks and knees. A longtime 205-pound titleholder in Pride Fighting Championships, he was without equal in the Japanese organization.

Silva enjoyed a 20-fight unbeaten streak in Pride and recorded the most finishes in the company’s history, his 16 stoppages tying him with Mirko Filipovic. Upon returning to the UFC in 2007, the Brazilian captured two “Knockout of the Night” and five “Fight of the Night” bonuses. Among those he has defeated during his career: Kazushi Sakuraba (three times), Quinton Jackson (twice), Dan Henderson, Hidehiko Yoshida, Ricardo Arona, Michael Bisping and Brian Stann.

“The Axe Murderer” tailed off at the end of his career and made matters worse in 2014 by fleeing his Las Vegas gym when a member of the Nevada Athletic Commission stopped by to collect a urine sample. He was suspended and later announced his retirement, though his exploits inside the ring and cage will not soon be forgotten.

Number 4 » Fabricio Werdum