Rafael Freitas has come forward to clarify the reasons behind his attack on legendary MMA fighter Wanderlei Silva during the Spaten Fight Night 2 event.
Silva, a revered figure in mixed martial arts with a distinguished career in promotions like UFC and Pride, made his highly anticipated return to the ring last Saturday night in São Paulo.
Following Anderson Silva`s exhibition boxing match against Chael Sonnen at the inaugural event a year prior, `The Axe Murderer` was scheduled to headline Spaten Fight Night 2 opposite Acelino Freitas, a former two-time Brazilian boxing champion.
Concerns were already prevalent regarding the 49-year-old`s comeback, not only due to his age but also unsettling statements he made earlier in 2024 about suffering from a brain injury. These fears were tragically confirmed for Silva`s fans when the veteran competitor was left unconscious on the canvas.
Acelino Freitas` Son Explains His Actions Against Wanderlei Silva
Contrary to being knocked out during the actual bout, Wanderlei Silva was rendered unconscious during a chaotic brawl that erupted in the ring. The fracas began when `The Axe Murderer` was disqualified for repeatedly head-butting Freitas.
As punches were exchanged between both teams, Silva was blindsided by a man in a tuxedo. Shortly thereafter, the same individual delivered a powerful punch that left the former UFC star unconscious and with a broken nose.
The person responsible for knocking out Silva was later identified as Rafael, Acelino Freitas` son. Although he has since deleted his social media accounts after his involvement became public, he did release a statement to the Brazilian publication Globo, aiming to justify his intervention.
“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,” he added.
Acelino Freitas Points Finger at Wanderlei Silva`s Team Member for Post-Fight Melee
Silva`s opponent, Acelino Freitas, largely supports his son`s account of the events that transpired at Spaten Fight Night 2.
In a video shared on social media, Freitas squarely blamed Fabricio Werdum for instigating the brawl.
“I don’t know what the hell these guys put Werdum in this event for,” Freitas said of the former UFC champion in Portuguese during a video on Instagram. “This guy only messes up at 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.
