The aftermath of a post-fight brawl that left a 49-year-old MMA legend unconscious continues to be a major talking point.
Wanderlei Silva made a controversial return to combat sports action on Saturday in Sao Paulo, Brazil, headlining the second Spaten Fight Night event. The Pride and UFC legend had not competed since Bellator 206 in 2018, where `The Axe Murderer` was defeated by `Rampage` Jackson. His career appeared to be over, especially after his concerning remarks about brain injuries in a letter supporting the UFC antitrust settlement last year. Nevertheless, after seven years, he stepped back into the ring.
Many now wish the Brazilian had not returned, given the chaotic events of his exhibition match against Acelino Freitas. After being disqualified for repeatedly head-butting the former two-time boxing champion, a wild post-fight melee culminated in Freitas`s son knocking Silva out cold.
Fabricio Werdum Describes the Wild Scenes Leading to Wanderlei Silva`s Brutal Knockout
Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, widely regarded as one of the division`s all-time greats, was part of Silva`s team that night. The Brazilian was among those who entered the ring to defend `The Axe Murderer,` and footage showed him throwing combinations at members of Freitas`s entourage.
Recounting his version of events on social media, `Vai Cavalo` insisted he was merely reacting to aggression from the opposing side. He also vehemently condemned Freitas`s son for his savage attack on Silva, describing it as “evil.”
“The images don`t lie,” Werdum stated. “Everyone saw what happened. We entered the ring after everything was over and Wanderlei was disqualified, and many people from Popo`s (Freitas`s) side came in. I think there were 20 of them, and only me, Wanderlei, Thor, and Dida, and we were reacting to their attacks, you know? They started screaming and coming at us, and there were four of us.”
“It was so evil for that guy to punch Wanderlei,” Werdum continued. “He (first) punched Wanderlei in the back of the head. I don`t know if it landed cleanly, but it could have been something very serious. Wanderlei is in the hospital now, getting stitches; his nose is broken because that guy was very cruel. Wanderlei had his gloves on and was tired from the fight.”
Acelino Freitas Blames Fabricio Werdum for the Brawl That Knocked Out Wanderlei Silva
However, Silva`s opponent that night remembers the events differently. While the former UFC champion claimed he was simply responding to attacks from the opposing team after entering the ring, Freitas accused Werdum of instigating the brawl.
“I don`t know why these guys even put Werdum in this event,” Freitas told fans in Portuguese in a video posted on Instagram. “This guy only ruins other people`s events. Werdum, I`m ashamed, man. If I were you, I`d be ashamed, okay? I`m ashamed. You`re the one who came at me. There`s a video of you on top of me, trying to beat me up, man. But God knows what He`s doing,” he added.
