Wand: How I am going to feel Sonnen’s blood on the ground

40-year-olds Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva fight at Bellator NYC on Saturday in one of the longest brewing contests in the sport’s history. Both fighters were out for years due to anti-doping tests, and then Wand got in a car accident necessitating knee and shoulder surgery. Wand hasn’t fought since early in 2013, a fight of the night win over Brian Stann, who then retired. Sonnen has fought once since 2013, a quick loss under the Bellator banner to Tito Ortiz, who then retired.

Sonnen is the greatest trash talker of his generation, and has been mocking The Axe Murderer with characteristic glee. During a recent appearance on MMAjunkie Radio, Wand emoted.

I’ve never had an opponent like this, and I don’t like it, said Silva, as transcribed by Steven Marrocco for MMAjunkie. I had some bad guys like Arona, but he’s many times more. I need to concentrate and be ready to make the fight what I want to do.

For sure I’m going to hurt him, a lot. I want to feel his blood on the ground.

It’s been a long time since my last fight. Now, finally, my technique is back. Everything is right, and I’m really happy. I’m so happy to get back to work.

Given Sonnen’s base in wrestling, and Wand’s in Muay Thai, the opponent’s strategy is plain – put Wand on his back and keep him there. In fact, when the pair scrapped on the set of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3, that is what Sonnen did within moments. But Wand has a plan.

I trained a lot of knees, because I know what he wants to do,” said the Brazilian. “He has just one movement, and in that moment, I’m going to catch him.

Bellator NY is headlined by Wand vs. Chael, and also features Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Mitrione, two title fights, and the MMA debut of combat sports prodigy Aaron Pico.