(Video) Shocking Brawl in Boxing Ring Knocks Out UFC Legend Wanderlei Silva

UFC veteran Wanderlei Silva gets knocked out during a violent brawl at his exhibition boxing bout. 

(Video) Shocking Brawl in Boxing Ring Knocks Out UFC Legend Wanderlei Silva

Wanderlei Silva goes viral for getting knocked out (via X)

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Former MMA legends have recently turned to boxing, using their fan following and past accomplishments to secure lucrative fight opportunities. These veterans often face other retired combat sports stars, attracting audiences with nostalgia while aiming to extend their careers financially. Wanderlei Silva attempted a similar comeback, but unfortunately, his boxing contest descended into absolute chaos.

Wanderlei Silva recently fought former two-division boxing champion Acelino Freitas at Spaten Fight Night 2, held in Sao Paulo. Freitas stepped in as a replacement after the original opponent, UFC veteran and legend Vitor Belfort, unfortunately, withdrew from the contest. During the fight, Silva was clearly outclassed by Freitas and repeatedly committed illegal fouls, most notably intentional headbutts.

The ‘Axe Murderer’ received multiple warnings for fouls on Freitas, which drew frustration and concern from officials. Following a second blatant headbutt, Silva was officially disqualified during the fourth round, bringing an abrupt end to the exhibition fight. After the referee stopped the bout, tempers exploded between both fighter camps inside the ring, escalating rapidly into a chaotic brawl.

Video footage and eyewitness reports confirm that Silva remained completely motionless on the canvas before being dragged to the corner safely. Throughout his long career, the Brazilian has suffered multiple knockouts, but at 49 years old, this particular knockout raised safety concerns.

The ring stayed chaotic for several minutes as staff and bystanders attended to Silva, attempting to ensure his medical attention. The viral video has been viewed millions of times, shocking combat sports audiences who could not believe how violent the brawl became.

MMA enthusiasts immediately drew comparisons to the infamous UFC 229 brawl involving Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor’s team, recalling similar chaotic moments. Unlike McGregor, who managed to defend himself effectively during the melee, Silva was unable to protect himself, ultimately resulting in a brutal knockout.

Wanderlei Silva’s history with violence and CTE 

Wanderlei Silva was undeniably one of the most violent fighters in MMA history, leaving a lasting legacy across multiple promotions. His aggressive, forward-pressing fighting style, defined by relentless attacks and exceptional durability, directly contributed to his impressive and knockout-heavy record.

Wanderlei Silva in his prime
Wanderlei Silva in his prime (via MMA Fighting)

Although Silva enjoyed a decorated career with countless wars,  his body inevitably began paying the price during his later years. In recent years, Silva openly admitted experiencing symptoms consistent with CTE, a serious neurodegenerative condition caused by repeated head trauma.

During a 2019 interview, he described mood swings, intense anger, memory lapses, and sleep disturbances, recognizing common concussion-related symptoms. Further expressing his worries, Silva revealed in a 2024 court declaration that he feared sustaining long-term traumatic brain injuries.

He reported additional symptoms, including depression and sleep apnea, while also noting he had undergone multiple surgeries on his nose and knees. In one of his podcast episodes, veteran UFC commentator Joe Rogan shared details about Silva’s surgeries and how they changed the fighter’s face. 

Wanderlei didn’t get botox, he had his face reconstructed cause he had been in so many brawls his nose had completely flattened, he couldn’t breath out of it and he had so much scar tissue over his eyes that his eyes were drooping down. So, they took a chunk of his rib and rebuilt his nose and he had his nose built big. 

Joe Rogan via JRE 

Wanderlei Silva’s situation underscores the serious long-term dangers of repeated head trauma frequently experienced by athletes in high-impact combat sports. Although he has not received formal CTE testing, Silva’s symptoms strongly correspond with those typically linked to this degenerative brain condition.

Following the chaotic post-fight incident, there has been no official update on Wanderlei Silva’s status, leaving fans extremely worried about his well-being. It will be interesting to see whether the veteran fighter tries to get back into boxing following the incident.

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