Michael Bisping Reacts to Wanderlei Silva’s Chaotic Comeback: ‘He Got What He Deserved’

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping has expressed little sympathy for Wanderlei Silva following his controversial return to combat sports.

Silva, 49, made a contentious comeback to the ring on Saturday at Spaten Fight Night 2, participating in an exhibition boxing match – his first appearance since 2018.

The event proved disastrous for `The Axe Murderer,` both during his bout against two-time Brazilian boxing champion Acelino Freitas and in the ensuing chaos. After being disqualified for repeated head-butting, Silva was subsequently knocked out by Freitas’s son amidst a wild post-fight brawl.

Considering the events that led to the melee, one of Silva`s former UFC rivals believes the outcome was self-inflicted.

Michael Bisping Offers His Take on Wanderlei Silva`s Post-Fight Knockout

Among those reacting to Silva`s dramatic knockout following his comeback was Michael Bisping.

Bisping, who lost a decision to Silva at UFC 110 – a result he still disputes – also cited Silva`s past use of performance-enhancing substances as a basis for his long-standing disapproval of the Pride icon.

Given his history with Silva, Bisping`s assertion that Silva “got what he deserved” after witnessing his former opponent`s repeated fouls at Spaten Fight Night 2 was hardly unexpected.

“An MMA icon, an absolute legend of the game…Wanderlei Silva, was just knocked out,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “He was cheating, he was being a dirty fighter, he was head-butting left right, and center…then it all kicks off.”

He added, “Nasty, really is…You can’t blame [Freitas’] people, or his crowd, for being p***ed off.”

Bisping continued, reflecting on Silva`s decline, “This is quite the fall from grace…Wanderlei Silva was someone that I was a huge fan of. These days, I’m not the biggest fan. I’ve always had a strong stance against people who take steroids.”

Recalling their encounter, Bisping insisted, “I did share the Octagon with Wanderlei Silva…If you ask me, I was robbed on the judges’ scorecards…I thought I won round one [and] round two…I was robbed.”

He concluded, “In this boxing fight, he kind of got what he deserved…We saw Wanderlei Silva head-butting his opponent…It was nasty to see that at 49 years old.”

Wanderlei Silva to Undergo Further Tests After Post-KO Headaches

Following the chaotic conclusion of Spaten Fight Night 2, Silva’s manager initially provided a reassuring health update, stating that `The Axe Murderer` showed no immediate signs of serious damage in the hospital.

However, after his release, the Brazilian reportedly began experiencing the lingering effects of the intense knockout.

In a social media video, Silva revealed, “They took me to the hospital yesterday, and I had some tests done, but I have since had a really bad headache.”

He further added, “I will do more tests here in Curitiba to be able to figure out what happened to me and if I have any more serious head injuries.”

These recent statements are particularly troubling given Silva`s previous support for the UFC antitrust settlement last year, where he voiced concerns about “traumatic brain injury” and his own experience with CTE symptoms.