Wanderlei Silva (green trunks) at Spartan Fight Night 2 Credit: ayres_mt/Twitter(X)
Wanderlei Silva’s highly unnecessary foray into the world of boxing has ended with a circus-like scene, and a nasty looking knockout.
Worse, that knockout came after the fight was over, and appeared to be landed not by a licensed combatant, but by a security guard, or possibly a member of his opponent’s camp.
The 49-year old Silva, who had reported long-term, debilitating concussion-like symptoms while the UFC’s recently settled anti-trust lawsuit was unfolding, was competing at Spartan Fight Night 2 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There, he was facing renowned Brazlian boxer Acelino Freitas. While Freitas had the experience advantage, Silva was the far larger fighter, though he had not competed since a 2018 loss to Rampage Jackson in MMA.
What unfolded in the ring, as is the case with so many circus-like celebrity and influencer boxing matches, was embarrassing for all involved. Silva, out of his depth, committed foul after foul, leading to “The Axe Murderer” being disqualified. Those fouls included a head butt in the fourth round, followed by more, and three point deductions before the DQ.
That should have been the end of it. Instead, a brawl erupted, captured by multiple parties filming ring side. With Silva entering into the fray, he eventually was caught unprepared by a punch thrown by a man wearing a suit – and it was lights out. Members of Silva’s team could be seen dragging the UFC legend back to his corner.
Coe mano o Wand caiu falecido Kkkkkkkkkkkk pic.twitter.com/bfaGp6cdIY
— Matheus A. (@ayres_mt) September 28, 2025
Wanderlei Silva had been set to be a GM in the failed Global Fight League, that had been announced as launching in 2025. In 2018 and again in 2022, he attempted to move into politics at home in Brazil, but was not elected after running for Deputy (in the Brazilian federal legislative body).