Overview

• Silva was disqualified in round four against Acelino “Popó” Freitas for repeated fouls, including multiple headbutts, after earlier point deductions.
• A large melee erupted immediately after the stoppage, and Silva was struck by a non-competitor from Freitas’ camp and rendered unconscious in the ring.
• He was transported to São Luiz Hospital in São Paulo, where his management described the evaluation as precautionary and said he is conscious.
• Freitas stepped in on short notice for Vitor Belfort, who withdrew with reported concussions, and the weigh-in showed about a 44-pound disparity in Silva’s favor.
• Widely shared ringside videos of the disqualification and brawl have fueled questions about event oversight, security protocols, and the wisdom of booking aging fighters with prior TBI concerns.