Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva, a name synonymous with relentless aggression and knockout power in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. On September 27, 2025, Silva’s much-anticipated boxing debut at Spaten Fight Night 2 in São Paulo, Brazil, ended in chaos, culminating in a brutal knockout during a post-fight brawl.
The Build-Up to the Bout
At 49 years old, Silva returned to the combat sports arena after a seven-year hiatus. Originally slated to face former UFC champion Vitor Belfort, Silva stepped in to fight Acelino “Popó” Freitas, a former WBA and WBO world champion with a 41-2 record and 34 knockouts. Silva, known for his brawling style and knockout power, vowed to make Freitas “kiss the canvas” in what he termed the “biggest debut boxing history”.
The Match: A Disastrous Debut
The fight began with Freitas showcasing superior boxing technique, outpacing Silva with his speed and precision. Silva, appearing sluggish and out of sync, resorted to illegal tactics, including headbutts and punches after the bell. These infractions led to multiple point deductions, and in the fourth round, Silva was disqualified.
The Post-Fight Brawl
The real spectacle unfolded after the bell. A violent brawl erupted in the ring as members from both camps stormed in. Amid the chaos, Silva was struck from behind and knocked unconscious by a man in a tuxedo, reportedly from Freitas’ team. The scene was described as disturbing, with Silva lying motionless on the canvas before being dragged to safety.
Wanderlei Silva’s Career Record
Before this incident, Silva had an illustrious MMA career. He holds a professional MMA record of 35 wins, 14 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. Known for his aggressive Muay Thai style, Silva amassed 27 wins by knockout. He was particularly dominant in Japan’s PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he became the Middleweight Champion and won the 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the incident, Silva was reportedly conscious and taken to a hospital for precautionary measures. The MMA community reacted with shock and concern. Brazilian fighter Caio Borralho expressed disappointment, stating that such behavior undermines the efforts to portray fighters as respectable athletes.
Conclusion
Wanderlei Silva‘s boxing debut was intended to mark a triumphant return to combat sports. Instead, it ended in controversy and chaos, overshadowing his storied MMA legacy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports and the importance of maintaining professionalism both inside and outside the ring
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