Following a crazy scene in Brazil, a UFC legend was critical of Wanderlei Silva’s actions.
Fans regrettably watched on as Silva was knocked out cold in a post-fight brawl following a boxing match at Spaten Fight Night 2.
There were already major concerns about the 49-year-old icon making his return to competition after not fighting since his final MMA bout in 2018.
While there has since been a positive update regarding Silva’s health, it was still a scary moment to watch.
A fellow Brazilian hero, who was originally scheduled to face ‘The Axe Murderer’ on this date, chose to criticize his potential opponent in the immediate aftermath.
- LATEST NEWS: Dominick Reyes issues first statement after brutal first-round loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC Perth
Vitor Belfort criticizes Wanderlei Silva for taking replacement fight against pro boxer after he withdrew
From the moment that it was announced, fans pushed back against Wanderlei Silva fighting Vitor Belfort in a boxing match.
The event would have certainly attracted interest, especially in Brazil where both men are two of the most iconic fighters that the country has produced.
It was reported earlier this month by MMA Fighting that Belfort had withdrawn from the matchup due to suffering a concussion during his training camp.
The update also stated that Silva would be waiting for a replacement to stay on the card, which was filled by 41-2 boxer Acelino Freitas.
Belfort, who still attended the event on Saturday night, was incredibly critical of his rival for choosing to take this replacement matchup which has now cost them their bout.
“When we’re at our worst, we reveal who we are, and when we’re at our best, we reveal our hearts,” Belfort stated according to Google Translate. “What makes me sad is that this reveals who they always were. Wanderlei, I’m sorry, you did something wrong. You literally destroyed something we built over years.
“Martial arts, brother. You were fighting an excellent boxer. You shouldn’t even have gotten into the ring with him. The guy got into it with you at the last minute, and you do something like this… What makes me sad is that the whole of Brazil saw this shame. Wanderlei, you need to apologize, brother, because what you did is not right.”
- LATEST NEWS: Adin Ross crashes out after losing near $800,000 UFC bet in the final fight of his five-bout combo
Wanderlei Silva shouldn’t have been fighting regardless of the opponent
Whether he was fighting a fellow MMA veteran in Vitor Belfort or a different opponent, Wanderlei Silva shouldn’t be competing at this stage of his career.
As noted by MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin after the fight, the Brazilian legend has already publicly disclosed the long-term health effects that he has suffered as a result of fighting.
Belfort is right, this horrific knockout has probably derailed any chance of him stepping in the ring with Silva.
If that means that ‘The Axe Murderer’ can end this short-lived comeback even sooner, at least there’s one positive takeaway.