Repercussions have followed Wanderlei Silva after his chaotic return to combat sports at Spaten Fight Night 2 in São Paulo, Brazil.
The UFC Hall of Famer, who stepped back into action against former two-time boxing world champion Acelino Freitas, was disqualified for repeatedly throwing illegal strikes, including headbutts. What should have ended with an exhibition result spiraled into a violent post-fight brawl that saw Silva knocked unconscious by a punch from Freitas’ son, Rafael.
“The Axe Murderer” had not competed since suffering a knockout loss to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at Bellator 206 in September 2018. His comeback in boxing ended in controversy and disciplinary action.
The Brazilian National Boxing Council (CNB) announced on Tuesday that both Wanderlei Silva and Acelino Freitas have been handed 180-day suspensions. They are banned from participating in any events sanctioned by the council, with CNB confirming that other commissions will also be notified of the suspensions.
Silva described himself as the victim of what he called a “cowardly attack,” but the ruling stands.
Rafael Freitas, who landed the punch that knocked Silva out, escaped suspension since he was present only as a spectator and not licensed as a cornerman. Instead, CNB issued a recommendation that he be banned indefinitely from future boxing events.
The aftermath also saw several cornermen penalized. Silva’s longtime coach, Andre Dida, received the harshest punishment with a one-year suspension after landing two punches on Freitas. Two of Silva’s cornermen, former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum and Silva’s son, Thor, were involved in the brawl but could not be sanctioned, as the CNB did not officially license them.
On Freitas’ side, cornermen Luis Claudio Freitas and Iago Gutierrez Freitas were each given 180-day bans, while Lucas Pontes da Silva received a 90-day suspension.
The night that was meant to mark Wanderlei Silva’s return to combat sports ended in chaos and suspensions.
