The chaotic aftermath of the exhibition boxing match between MMA legend Wanderlei Silva and former world boxing champion Acelino “Popó” Freitas took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in São Paulo, Brazil. Following the disqualification of Silva during the bout, a wild brawl erupted in the ring involving both teams, during which Silva was knocked unconscious.
Wanderlei Silva was disqualified in the fourth round of the exhibition match for repeated, and reportedly intentional, headbutts against Freitas.
Freitas’s boxing skills: Though outweighed by nearly 44 pounds, the 50-year-old Freitas, a veteran boxer, outmaneuvered the 49-year-old Silva, who had not competed since 2018.
Escalating fouls: The referee had to repeatedly separate the fighters and warned Silva about illegal blows, including pushing Freitas to the canvas in the third round and continuing to punch after the bell.
After the referee stopped the fight and disqualified Silva, members of both fighters’ teams stormed the ring, and the situation quickly escalated into a chaotic brawl. Fabricio Werdum, a former UFC heavyweight champion and Silva’s cornerman, was seen throwing punches.
Silva’s knockout: During the chaos, Silva was knocked out cold by a man in a tuxedo, who was later identified as Freitas’s son, Rafael Freitas.
Acelino Freitas later stated on social media that the brawl started after Werdum, from Silva’s corner, began throwing punches at members of his team.
Aftermath and injury: A video showed Silva’s unconscious body being dragged to his corner while the brawl continued. He was later treated at a hospital for a fractured nose and facial stitches and was released.
Spaten Fight Night response: The promotion released a statement saying the events did not align with their values of “sportsmanship and respect to the rules”.
Lack of discipline: Neither the promotion nor the Brazilian National Boxing Council announced any immediate disciplinary actions.
