UFC legend Wanderlei Silva has publicly detailed the horrific injuries he sustained following his recent return to the ring. At Spaten Fight Night 2, where the 49-year-old fighter competed in an exhibition boxing match against two-time world champion Acelino Freitas—his first fight in seven years—Silva was disqualified for repeatedly throwing illegal headbutts. A mass brawl erupted post-fight, during which Silva was knocked unconscious.
Badly Injured Wanderlei Silva Wants Justice
According to Silva, he suffered three broken bones in the attack: two broken orbital bones and a nose broken in four places, along with a laceration requiring seven stitches. Silva described the incident as a “criminal act” and declared his intention to seek justice through legal action.
He emphasized his inability to sleep and severe pain, stating: “I can’t sleep, I’m in a lot of pain, in such discomfort. That can’t stay like that. That was undoubtedly a criminal act, and every criminal act has to be judged by the justice system. And I’m going after justice.” He further expressed his outrage, “I’m very upset, I’m really hurt. Hurt in the inside, hurt in the outside. Watching that scene, me laying on the ground and people — who weren’t even security because the event had no security — dragging me, right? What a horrible scene, you know?”
Who Knocked Out Wanderlei Silva?
The assailant was soon identified as Rafael Freitas, son of his opponent Acelino Freitas. Rafael, however, claims he acted in self-defense, protecting his family from an attack initiated by Silva`s team, including his coach and Fabricio Werdum.
Rafael stated: “When I realized a brawl had started, initiated by Wanderlei’s team, his son, his coach Andre Dida, and (Fabricio) Werdum…when I saw all of them assaulting my father and my brothers, I (acted) in legitimate defense. In the heat of the moment, I only thought about defending my family.”
It appears the feud between the Silva and Freitas families is now set to be resolved in a Brazilian court.
