Wanderlei Silva was scheduled to rematch Vitor Belfort on September 27th based on Boxing Rule. Instead, he faces former world boxing champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas in the main event of Spaten Fight Night 2 at Sao Paulo, Brazil.
MMA Fighting confirmed the changes following a report from Spaten Broadcast Partner TV Globo. The promotion has not yet announced whether they will meet at official boxing matches or exhibitions.
Freitas is one of Brazil’s greatest boxers of all time, earning 41 wins in 43 professional matches, including 34 knockouts. Former WBO and WBA Super Featherweight Champion and two-time WBO lightweight champion, “Popo” flipped his gloves in 2007, but ultimately regained his professional victory in 2012, 2015 and 2017.
“Popo” has become more active in the ring in recent years against Brazilian influencers and celebrities under his home country’s fight music show banner. Aside from the controversial decision victory over Argentine boxer Jorge Daniel Miranda in October 2024, Freitas easily ruled each and every one of his enemies.
Silva made his boxing debut after a Hall of Fame in MMA and will reign in Pride FC in Japan for nearly a decade before returning to the UFC for a 4-5 octagon run, including future champion Michael Bispin.
“The Axe Murderer” has not fought since 2018 since losing his fourth clash with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson 2-2. Silva’s final MMA victory was a 2013 knockout from Brian Stan.
Spaten Fight Night is planning to re-order Silva vs. Belfort in 2026, with the medical clearance of “Phenom’s.” The former UFC champion revealed on social media that he is suffering from two concussions in training. The second is a Grade 3 concussion.
Check out the updated fight cards below.