After a wild incident in Brazil, a UFC icon has spoken out against Wanderlei Silva’s behaviour.
Silva was knocked out cold in a post-fight brawl after a boxing match at Spaten Fight Night 2, something fans never want to see.
There were already concerns about the 49-year-old’s return to fighting, given that his last appearance was back in 2018.
And even though there have been positive updates on Silva’s health since then, it was still frightening to watch.
In the immediate aftermath, a Brazilian hero, originally slated to fight ‘The Axe Murderer’ on this date, chose to criticize his former rival.
Vitor Belfort questions Wanderlei Silva’s decision to face late replacement Acelino Freitas
Since it was announced, fans were hesitant about seeing Wanderlei Silva take on Vitor Belfort in a boxing match.
The fight would have been a big draw, especially in Brazil, where both are among the country’s most recognisable fighters.
Earlier this month, MMA Fighting reported that Belfort had pulled out of the fight after suffering a concussion during training.
In his place, 41-2 boxer Acelino Freitas stepped in to face Silva.
Belfort, who still attended the event on Saturday night, did not hold back in criticising his rival for going ahead with the replacement bout – one that now appears to have ended any future plans for them to face off.
“When we’re at our worst, we reveal who we are, and when we’re at our best, we reveal our hearts. What makes me sad 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 got into it with you at the last minute and you do something like this… What makes me sad is that whole of Brazil saw this shame. Wanderlei you need to apologize brother because what you did is not right.”
Wanderlei Silva should not have been fighting regardless of the opponent
No matter who he faced – whether it was another MMA veteran like Vitor Belfort or someone else – there are valid reasons why Silva probably should not be stepping back into competition at this point in his life.
Following the fight, MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin highlighted that the Brazilian legend has previously spoken openly about the lasting health issues he has experienced due to his fighting career.
Belfort may be right that there is not going to be much of an appetite for their fight anymore after what happened on Saturday night.
If that means “The Axe Murderer” can step away from fighting again without another long layoff and return down the road, then so be it.
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