The controversy continues following a post-fight brawl that left 49-year-old MMA icon Wanderlei Silva unconscious.
Silva made a contentious return to combat sports as he headlined the second Spaten Fight Night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, last Saturday. The Pride and UFC veteran had been out of action since his 2018 loss to `Rampage` Jackson at Bellator 206. His comeback, after a seven-year hiatus and prior concerns about brain injuries expressed in a letter supporting the UFC antitrust settlement, has sparked much discussion.
Many now wish the Brazilian legend had not returned, given the events of his exhibition bout against Acelino Freitas. Silva was disqualified for repeatedly head-butting the former two-time boxing champion, leading to a chaotic scene where Freitas`s son knocked Silva out cold during the post-fight melee.
Fabricio Werdum Describes the Violent Scenes Leading to Wanderlei Silva`s Knockout
Fabricio Werdum, a former UFC heavyweight champion and one of the division`s all-time greats, was part of Silva`s team that night. Werdum was seen entering the ring to defend `The Axe Murderer,` with footage showing him throwing strikes at members of Freitas`s entourage.
Sharing his perspective on social media, `Vai Cavalo` asserted that he was merely reacting to aggression from the opposing side. He strongly condemned Freitas`s son`s brutal attack on Silva, labeling it “evil.”
“The images don’t lie,” Werdum stated (as translated by MMA Fighting). “Everyone saw what happened. We entered the ring after it was all over and Wanderlei was disqualified, and many people from Popo’s side entered.”
He continued, “I think there were 20 of them, and only me, Wanderlei, Thor, and Dida; we were reacting to their attacks, you know? They started screaming and coming at us, and we were only four.”
Werdum added, “It was so evil for that guy to punch Wanderlei. He first punched the back of Wanderlei`s head. I don’t know if it landed cleanly, but it could have been very serious. Wanderlei is in the hospital now, getting stitches. It broke Wanderlei’s nose because he was very mean. Wanderlei had his gloves on, tired from the fight.”
Acelino Freitas Blames Fabricio Werdum for the Brawl That Knocked Out Wanderlei Silva
However, Silva`s opponent, Acelino Freitas, offers a conflicting account of the incident. While Werdum claims he was responding to an ambush from Freitas`s team upon entering the ring, Freitas accused Werdum of being the instigator.
“I don’t know why these guys put Werdum in this event,” Freitas expressed to fans in Portuguese via an Instagram video. “This guy only causes trouble at other people’s events.”
Freitas added, “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.”
Neville Whittle