Sherdog’s Top 10: Matches That Were Never Made

Few fighters have been as feared as “The Axe Murderer” in his prime. |Photo: Danioel Herbertson

10. Randy Couture vs. Wanderlei Silva

When it comes to hypothetical matchups between former 205-pound champions in the UFC and Pride Fighting Championships, a prime Chuck Liddell versus a prime Silva remains the prettiest girl at the ball. However, a pairing of Couture and “The Axe Murderer” would have made for a pretty nice consolation prize.

While faded versions of Liddell and Silva finally got their chance to trade blows in 2007, the Brazilian and “The Natural” never did get an opportunity to meet in the cage. The idea of this fight is no mere whim of fantasy matchmaking, however. Following a technical knockout victory over Vitor Belfort at UFC 49, Couture summoned the Pride standout into the Octagon.

“Maybe we can get this together and step in this Octagon and unify these titles. What do you say, Wanderlei?” Couture asked.

“It’s a great honor, and he’s ready to fight [Couture] whenever he wants to,” Silva replied through an interpreter.

That night would be as close as the two champions would get to squaring off in the Octagon. Couture and Liddell signed on to do a little reality show known as “The Ultimate Fighter,” which kept Couture out of action until April 2005, when he relinquished his strap to “The Iceman.” Despite constant speculation as to when Silva would make his UFC debut, the Brazilian would not join -- or fight for -- the company until three years after Couture called him out.

Honorable Mentions: Urijah Faber vs. Kid Yamamoto, Faber vs. Miguel Torres, Royce Gracie vs. Mark Kerr, Tito Ortiz vs. Kevin Randleman, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Wanderlei Silva, Rumina Sato vs. Jens Pulver.