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Wanderlei Silva Turns 50 Days After 180-Day Suspension Ends, Says He Will Keep Fighting
UFC Hall of Famer Wanderlei Silva marked his 50th birthday on July 3 by posting on Instagram that a warrior does not retire. The former fighter last competed in MMA in 2018 and recently completed a 180-day boxing suspension.
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Wanderlei Silva turned 50 on July 3 and posted on Instagram that he plans to keep competing. The UFC Hall of Famer wrote to his 1.1 million followers that a warrior does not retire and that there is still gas in the tank. Silva has not fought in MMA since Quinton Jackson knocked him out at Bellator 206 in 2018.
In September 2025 he boxed former champion Acelino Freitas in an exhibition match at Spaten Fight Night 2. He was disqualified after two point deductions for repeated headbutts. A post-fight brawl followed the bout.
Rafael Freitas, son of Acelino Freitas, knocked Silva out cold. The Brazilian National Boxing Council issued Silva a 180-day suspension for his role in the melee. The ban ended about one week before his birthday.
In the Instagram post Silva reflected on his career and personal life. He stated that the greatest victory was remaining healthy and surrounded by family and fans, adding that 50 years of history left more to come.
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