[Billy Ocean]

This question is in regards to Wanderlei Silva, specifically the discussion about whether or not he deserves a title shot against Rampage after losing 3 out of 4.

Should his two straight losses in PRIDE count towards his UFC contendership?

I know guys like Anderson Silva and Rampage Jackson have been given title shots very early in their UFC career's mostly because of their prior reputation.

Should Wanderlei's contender status be hurt by his PRIDE losses to Henderson and Cro Cop? I think whether or not Cro Cop would beat him in UFC rules is debatable, given his own UFC struggles, and Wanderlei had already beaten Henderson in a war.

Basically, Silva lost a close decision in an absolute war with Chuck Liddell and destroyed Keith Jardine...that's already a pretty impressive resume in the UFC...so should those prior 2 losses hold him back???

[Soulbane]

Of course it does.

Although the display of a fight certainly is indicative of how a fighter stands in the division (relatively) you do fighter's injustice's by saying you get a title shot because you look to be a better match up for the champ, rather than, "you should get the shot via your accomplishments"

Furthermore, in Wand's case, yes his losses can and should affect his contention status. Why? Because CroCop formerly was, and Hendo currently is, a UFC fighter. Although CC was a HW, Wand into that fight at HW. So does it have an impact on his LHW status? Not so much? But his loss to Hendo, a UFC LHW/MW certainly does.

He needs a couple more fights before a title shot. Just my honest 2cents, some will agree, others disagree, but title shots just can't be given by accomplishments of old and "performance." Even if it against the current LHW champ...... twice.

[NewMeme]

Yes, they should count.

But the Cro Cop loss can be written off because he was fighting him at HW.

I think he should at least have to avenge one of the other two losses; either Hendo or Chuck.

[yes machida]

billy is that really you?

[Bigj383]

Absolutly, Losses as well as wins should be taken into consideration no matter which organization the fights happended. Just as if Fedor came to the UFC he would deserve a title shot out of the gate as well as Josh Barnett could justify a title shot out of the gate. In turn any losses that happen elsewhere should just as easily hurt you.

[BigRedman]

Absolutely. Based on quality of opponants.