UFC Hall of Famer Wanderlei Silva was knocked out during a post-fight altercation following his exhibition bout against former boxing champion Acelino Freitas in Brazil.
Former UFC fighter Wanderlei Silva just got knocked out COLD in an all-out brawl 🤯 pic.twitter.com/FyYba7QeEJ
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) September 28, 2025
The fight ended in controversy when the referee disqualified Silva in the fourth round for repeated fouls, including two headbutts. After the stoppage, tempers flared, and a brawl erupted inside the ring. During the melee, Silva was struck on the back of the head before taking a decisive right hook that left him unconscious. Members of his team quickly intervened, dragging the 49-year-old veteran to his corner as the scuffle continued around them.
This angle of Wanderlei Silva getting knocked out in a post-fight brawl
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 28, 2025
Oh my goodness... pic.twitter.com/0ZEAXt05qM
The exhibition marked Silva’s first appearance in combat sports since his September 2018 loss to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at Bellator 206. Over the course of his storied MMA career, Silva built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and feared fighters of his era. He amassed a professional record of 35 wins and 14 losses, with 27 victories coming by knockout or TKO.
Silva’s legacy in mixed martial arts includes memorable battles in PRIDE Fighting Championships, where his relentless style earned him worldwide recognition and the nickname “The Axe Murderer.” Despite his accomplishments, the exhibition bout demonstrated the challenges of returning to the ring at nearly 50 years old.
While official details regarding Silva’s condition after the knockout have not been fully released, the incident has reignited debates about older fighters competing in exhibition matches and the potential risks involved.
For fans, Silva’s return was meant to be a celebration of his career, but the shocking conclusion has instead raised concerns about fighter safety in post-career exhibitions.
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