Wanderlei Silva’s much-anticipated return to combat sports took a disastrous turn in São Paulo, Brazil. Stepping back into the ring at Spaten Fight Night 2, the 49-year-old former MMA star faced Acelino Freitas, a decorated two-time world boxing champion, in an exhibition match.
It was Silva’s first competition since his knockout defeat to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at Bellator 206 in 2018. What was expected to be a nostalgic appearance quickly spiraled into controversy.
Disqualification Sparks Outrage
Midway through the bout, Silva repeatedly connected with illegal shots, including headbutts. Referees intervened, and he was disqualified for the fouls, handing Freitas the win.
The crowd’s reaction escalated tensions, and what began as a heated exchange inside the ring erupted into a full-scale brawl moments after the final bell.
During the scuffle, Silva was blindsided by Rafael Freitas, Acelino’s son, who delivered a clean punch that knocked him out cold in front of the stunned audience.
The incident went viral almost immediately, spreading across combat sports media within hours. Silva later described the strike as unjust, claiming he was the one wronged: The 49-year-old considers himself the victim of a ‘cowardly attack.’
Momento da confusão generalizada, e do Knockout sofrido pelo Wanderlei Silva no #spatenfightnight 2.
Popó X Wanderlei Silva pic.twitter.com/IKxssKZKXI
— Pop Dinâmico (@POPDinamico) September 28, 2025
Disciplinary Actions Announced
The Brazilian National Boxing Council (CNB) quickly moved to respond. According to MMA Fighting, the governing body handed down multiple suspensions to those involved in the melee.
Silva and Acelino Freitas were each issued 180-day bans from all CNB-sanctioned events. Several cornermen on both sides received penalties as well.
Andre Dida, Silva’s longtime coach, was suspended for 365 days after cameras captured him landing punches on members of Freitas’ corner.
Luis Claudio Freitas and Iago Gutierrez Freitas, part of Acelino’s team, were both suspended for 180 days.
Lucas Pontes da Silva was given a 90-day suspension.
MMA commissions in Brazil may choose to extend or mirror these penalties, though no decision has been finalized.
Rafael Freitas Avoids Immediate Sanction
Rafael Freitas, the man who knocked Silva unconscious, avoided a direct suspension because he wasn’t an official cornerman during the fight. CNB clarified that while they lack jurisdiction to penalize him formally, they intend to recommend an indefinite ban from future boxing events in Brazil.
Several notable MMA figures were involved in the melee. Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, who joined Silva’s corner, threw punches but escaped CNB discipline since he wasn’t licensed for the event. The same exemption applied to Thor Silva, Wanderlei’s son, who was present during the altercation.
The fallout took another turn when Chael Sonnen publicly reacted to the incident. Despite their long history of animosity — including an infamous brawl during The Ultimate Fighter filming over a decade ago — Sonnen directed his anger toward Rafael Freitas:
“To the coward that did THIS to Vanderlei…You f—ed up,” Sonnen wrote on X. “Only I am allowed to make him look a fool.
Have a Care, dummy. I’ll see you soon.”
His remarks surprised many fans, highlighting the bizarre twist of seeing Sonnen defending Silva after years of public feuding.
Silva, known worldwide as “The Axe Murderer,” built his legacy through fearless fighting in PRIDE and the UFC. His return was meant to be a celebratory nod to his career, but instead, the night ended with suspensions, a viral knockout, and serious questions about his future in boxing exhibitions.
For now, both Silva and Freitas remain sidelined as Brazil’s boxing authorities sort through the disciplinary process stemming from one of the most chaotic post-fight scenes of the year.
