Man Who Knocked Out Wanderlei Silva Breaks Silence

Rafael Freitas has provided an explanation for his actions, clarifying why he attacked Wanderlei Silva during the Spaten Fight Night 2 event.

Wanderlei Silva, a revered figure in MMA with a storied career spanning organizations like UFC and Pride, returned to the ring this past Saturday in São Paulo.

Following Anderson Silva`s exhibition boxing match against Chael Sonnen at the promotion`s inaugural event a year prior, `The Axe Murderer` was the main event at Spaten Fight Night 2, facing Acelino Freitas, a former two-time Brazilian boxing champion.

Concerns about the 49-year-old`s return were widespread, particularly given his age and earlier worrying statements about a brain injury in 2024. These fears unfortunately materialized for Silva`s fans when the seasoned fighter was knocked unconscious on the mat.

Acelino Freitas` Son Explains In-Ring Attack on Wanderlei Silva

Wanderlei Silva was not knocked out during the sanctioned fight, but rather amidst a brawl that erupted in the ring. The altercation began after `The Axe Murderer` was disqualified for repeatedly head-butting Freitas.

As punches were exchanged between both teams, Silva was blindsided by a man in a tuxedo. This individual then delivered a powerful punch, knocking the former UFC star unconscious and breaking his nose.

The person identified as responsible for knocking out Silva was Rafael, son of Acelino Freitas. Although he has since deactivated his social media accounts after being identified as the perpetrator, he released a statement to the Brazilian publication Globo, aiming to justify his actions.

“When I saw a brawl break out, started by Wanderlei`s team — his son, coach Andre Dida, and Fabricio Werdum — and witnessed them assaulting my father and brothers, I acted in self-defense.”

He further explained, “In the heat of the moment, my sole focus was on defending my family.”

Acelino Freitas Points Finger at Wanderlei Silva`s Team Member for Post-Fight Melee

Silva`s opponent, Acelino Freitas, corroborated his son`s account of the events at Spaten Fight Night 2.

In a social media video addressing the incident, Freitas specifically accused Fabricio Werdum of instigating the brawl.

Speaking in Portuguese on Instagram, Freitas questioned Werdum`s presence at the event: “I don`t know why these guys brought Werdum to this event. He only causes trouble at other people`s events.”

He continued, “Werdum, I`m ashamed. If I were you, I`d be ashamed. You were the one who attacked me. There`s a video of you on top of me, trying to beat me up. But God knows what He`s doing.”