The UFC announced Friday that they have officially signed former Pride 205lb. Champion, Wanderlei Silva to a contract. This is one of the most talked about and highly anticipated signings for the UFC since they purchased Pride FC. This will be Wandy's return to the Octagon after a seven year hiatus. His last appearance resulted in a loss to Tito Ortiz at UFC 25 in April of 2000.

UFC President Dana White stated, "This guy is a real fighter," said White. "He reminds me of Chuck Liddell, and he's the kind of fighter that all fight fans love to see fight. He's a gunslinger. He will get in harm's way to inflict damage and pain. This guy comes out like a speeding train and never stops. He goes for the finish, he likes to knock people out, and I just think he's going to bring so much excitement to the UFC, I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin."

Speaking of Liddell, this signing clearly paves the way for this highly anticipated matchup that all MMA fans have been asking for for years. Unfortunately, this fight may be two years too late due to the fact that neither are champions any longer, however, this fight still has the potential the break all MMA PPV purchases.

The UFC did not confirm a date or opponent for Silvia's first fight, he is tentatively scheduled to enter the Octagon in December, which would have him fighting at the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, where the UFC has reserved UFC 79.

What a better way to ring in the New Year than to finally have this fight come to fruition. Although Silva has accomplished so much in his MMA career, he told UFC.com that it has been his dream to have the UFC Light Heavyweight belt around his waist. Friday marked him taking the first step in that direction. Silva added, "I'm gonna work hard to give a great show for the fans and I want to thank God for this opportunity."

Although this has been rumored to happen for quite some time, all conversations were just that, rumors. His arrival really started to pick up momentum with Silva's recent move to the States, where he has been training with Randy Couture, in Las Vegas, to help Couture prepare for his upcoming fight at UFC 74 against Gabriel Gonzaga.

With this signing, the UFC has now compiled the top Light Heavyweights in the world, which is nothing but great news for all MMA fans. We are now in a position to see spectacular fights for years to come. White stated, that, "As crazy as this sounds, this is the pinnacle of my seven year career in this company."

Wandy concluded his signing by stating, "I want to issue a warning to the other fighters out there: you need to train hard, because "The Axe Murderer" is here." What more needs to be said?