Following dramatic events in Brazil, a prominent UFC legend has voiced strong criticism regarding Wanderlei Silva`s recent actions. Fans watched with considerable concern as Silva was knocked out cold during a post-fight altercation after a boxing match at Spaten Fight Night 2. Long-standing worries had already surrounded the 49-year-old fighter`s return to competitive combat, especially given his last MMA bout was in 2018. While positive updates concerning Silva`s health have since emerged, the knockout itself was a truly unsettling moment.
Vitor Belfort, another revered Brazilian fighting icon who was originally slated to face “The Axe Murderer” on that very evening, wasted no time in publicly criticizing his erstwhile opponent in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Vitor Belfort Condemns Silva`s Decision to Fight a Professional Boxer
From the moment the fight was announced, fans expressed skepticism about the proposed boxing match between Silva and Belfort. Despite this, the event was guaranteed to draw significant attention, particularly in Brazil, where both men are celebrated as among the nation`s most iconic fighters. However, reports earlier this month from MMA Fighting confirmed that Belfort had withdrawn from the matchup, citing a concussion sustained during his training camp.
Subsequently, Silva agreed to step into the ring against Acelino Freitas, a professional boxer boasting an impressive 41-2 record. Belfort, who was still present at the event on Saturday night, harshly condemned his rival for choosing to accept this replacement fight, a decision that ultimately prevented their own much-anticipated bout from taking place.
Belfort`s critical remarks included:
When we are at our worst, we show who we are, and when we are at our best, we reveal our hearts. What saddens me is that this reveals who they always were. Wanderlei, I`m sorry, you did something wrong. You literally destroyed something we built over years. Martial arts, brother. You were fighting an excellent boxer. You shouldn`t even have gotten into the ring with him. The guy stepped in with you at the last minute, and you do something like this… What saddens me is that all of Brazil saw this disgrace. Wanderlei, you need to apologize, brother, because what you did is not right.
Ongoing Concerns Over Wanderlei Silva`s Continued Competition
Regardless of the opponent, many argue that Wanderlei Silva should not be competing at this advanced stage of his career. As Damon Martin of MMA Fighting highlighted after the event, the Brazilian legend has previously and publicly disclosed the long-term health issues he has endured as a direct consequence of his extensive fighting career.
Belfort`s assessment rings true: this horrific knockout has likely put an end to any remaining possibility of him facing Silva in the ring. If this unfortunate incident means that “The Axe Murderer” can conclude his brief comeback even sooner, then perhaps there is at least one positive takeaway from this regrettable situation.
Neville Whittle