MMA legend turned boxer Wanderlei Silva plans to sue the man who knocked him out after a bout and left him hospitalized.
Silva’s return to combat sports took a dramatic turn after he not only suffered a disqualification for headbutting his opponent, Acelino Freitas, but also became involved in a chaotic brawl that left him hospitalized.
During the melee, Silva was knocked out cold by a punch from Acelino’s son, Rafael Freitas. According to reports, Silva suffered a fractured nose, and both he and his opponent were handed 180-day suspensions. However, Silva isn’t finished with the matter and now plans to sue Rafael Freitas.
In a post on Instagram, “The Axe Murderer” detailed the extent of his injuries and announced his decision to take the issue to court.
“I had several [work things] to do but I can’t because of my face,” Silva said. “I can’t sleep, I’m in a lot of pain, in such discomfort. That can’t stay like that. That was undoubtedly a criminal act, and every criminal act has to be judged by the justice system. And I’m going after justice.
“I broke my two orbital [bones], I have my nose broken in four places. I was assaulted in criminal fashion by ‘Popo’s’ son, who invaded the ring. He invaded the ring hitting me with two punches to the back of the head. Then, he landed the punch that opened a seven-stitch cut around my eye.
“I’m very upset, I’m really hurt,” Silva continued. “Hurt on the inside, hurt on the outside. Watching that scene, me laying on the ground and people — who weren’t even security because the event had no security — dragging me, right? What a horrible scene, you know?”
Rafael Freitas’ only comment since the incident came Sunday night to Globo, the broadcast partner in Brazil, where he claimed he acted in legitimate defense.
