The repercussions of a post-fight altercation, which saw a 49-year-old MMA icon rendered unconscious, are still being discussed.
Wanderlei Silva controversially re-entered the world of combat sports last Saturday, headlining the second Spaten Fight Night event in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The legendary fighter, known for his time in Pride and UFC, had been inactive since Bellator 206 in 2018, where he was defeated by ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Despite previous concerns about his health, including alarming statements about brain injuries made during his support for the UFC antitrust settlement last year, `The Axe Murderer` made his comeback after a seven-year hiatus.
Many observers now regret Silva`s return, especially considering the events that transpired during his exhibition bout against Acelino Freitas. Following his disqualification for repeatedly head-butting the former two-time boxing champion, a chaotic post-fight brawl erupted, culminating in Freitas’ son knocking Silva unconscious.
Fabricio Werdum Recounts Chaotic Scenes Leading to Wanderlei Silva’s Shocking Knockout
Fabricio Werdum, a former UFC heavyweight champion widely considered among the sport`s all-time greats, was a member of Silva’s corner team that evening.
Werdum, also a Brazilian, was seen entering the ring to protect `The Axe Murderer,` with video evidence showing him throwing punches at members of Freitas` entourage.
On social media, `Vai Cavalo` offered his account of the incident, asserting that his actions were purely in response to aggression from the opposing team. He strongly condemned Freitas’ son`s severe assault on Silva, characterizing it as “evil.”
“The footage speaks for itself,” Werdum stated (as translated by MMA Fighting). “Everyone witnessed what occurred. We entered the ring after the fight had concluded and Wanderlei had been disqualified, and numerous individuals from Popo’s side also entered.”
“I estimate there were about 20 of them, against just me, Wanderlei, Thor, and Dida. We were simply reacting to their assaults, you understand? They began yelling and charging at us, and there were only four of us.”
“It was utterly malicious for that individual to strike Wanderlei,” Werdum added. “He initially hit Wanderlei from behind, striking the back of his head. I`m unsure if it connected squarely, but it had the potential to cause very severe injury.”
“Wanderlei is currently in the hospital, receiving stitches. His nose was broken due to that brutal act. Wanderlei was still wearing his gloves and was exhausted from the fight.”
Acelino Freitas Accuses Fabricio Werdum of Inciting Brawl Leading to Silva’s KO
However, Silva`s opponent from that evening offered a contrasting account of the events.
While Werdum claimed he was merely reacting to aggression from the opposing team after entering the ring, Freitas directly blamed him for initiating the melee.
“I have no idea why Werdum was even invited to this event,” Freitas expressed to fans in Portuguese via an Instagram video. “This man consistently causes trouble at other people’s gatherings.”
“Werdum, I feel ashamed, honestly. If I were in your shoes, I`d be utterly mortified, alright? I am embarrassed. You were the one who approached me aggressively. There`s video evidence of you on top of me, attempting to assault me. But God has His reasons,” he concluded.
