Wanderlei Silva has spoken about the extent of his injuries following a chaotic return to the ring.
The UFC Hall of Famer was fighting for the first time in seven years, stepping into the Spaten Fight Night 2 card over the weekend.
‘The Axe Murderer’ was disqualified from his exhibition boxing bout with former two-time world champion Acelino ‘Popo’ Freitas due to repeated illegal strikes, including headbutts.
The Brazilian was not just disqualified from that fight, either. After Freitas and Silva’s teams became involved in a post-fight melee, the UFC icon wound up getting knocked out cold.
Wanderlei Silva left battered and seeking accountability after chaotic return
Following his comeback fight, Silva claims to have suffered three broken bones after being knocked out.
The Brazilian star is also pushing for legal consequences following the post-fight chaos, saying he wants to see justice served.
“I had several work [things] to do, but I can’t because of my face,” Silva posted on his Instagram.
“I can’t sleep, I’m in a lot of pain, in such discomfort. That can’t stay like that. That was undoubtedly a criminal act, and every criminal act has to be judged by the justice system. And I’m going after justice.
“I broke my two orbital [bones]. I have my nose broken in four places. I was assaulted in criminal fashion by ‘Popo’s’ son, who invaded the ring. He invaded the ring hitting me with two punches to the back of the head. Then, he landed the punch that opened a seven-stitch cut around my eye.
“I’m very upset, I’m really hurt,” he continued. “Hurt on the inside, hurt on the outside. Watching that scene, me lying on the ground and people – who weren’t even security because the event had no security – dragging me, right? What a horrible scene, you know?”
Who knocked out Wanderlei Silva?
The person responsible for knocking out Silva was soon identified as Rafael Freitas, son of Acelino Freitas.
Rafael later stated that he believed his actions were justified under self-defence during what became a widespread altercation.
“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,” Rafael explained.
“In the heat of the moment, I only thought about defending my family.”
The aftermath looks set for both parties to address their issues through Brazil’s legal system.
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