UFC legend Wanderlei Silva gives alarming health update, requests quick settlement of antitrust lawsuit to afford treatment
Wanderlei Silva has provided a seemingly concerning health update regarding the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the UFC. Silva requested immediate approval of the lawsuit's settlement, as he requires funds for healthcare.
Ex-UFC middleweight Cung Le filed a lawsuit against the UFC in 2014. The lawsuit accused the UFC of anti-competitive practices, monopolizing MMA, and exploiting fighters with restrictive/underpaid contracts. A 2015 lawsuit was also merged with the Le lawsuit. Additionally, UFC veteran Kajan Johnson filed a separate lawsuit against the organization in 2021.
Earlier this year, the UFC reportedly reached a settlement to pay the plaintiffs an amount of $335 million. However, in June 2024, the U.S. District Court of Nevada's Hon. Judge Richard Franklin Boulware II refused to approve the settlement, citing the amount as inadequate.
In Sept. 2024, the UFC reached a $375 million settlement with the plaintiffs. The amount is yet to be approved by Judge Boulware, whom UFC CEO and president Dana White claimed was a schoolmate and likely had a personal problem against him.
Journalist John Nash recently tweeted documents highlighting a few ex-UFC fighters' financial and health struggles. The documents also comprised Wanderlei Silva's legal declaration filed in court. Silva supported the $375 million settlement in the Le lawsuit. He feels the amount is great and should be approved right away.
If the settlement is approved, the amount would be distributed among fighters based on factors such as their previous payouts, how many fights they had in the UFC, and more. Silva, who competed in 12 UFC fights, indicated that a timely compensation would be better than a larger one that's delayed several years.
An excerpt from Silva's declaration read:
"While fighting for the UFC, I suffered many significant injuries, including concussions. I fear that during my career I have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and am noticing symptoms common with TBI and CTE including depression, mood swings, and irritability."
He added:
"To date, no treatment for CTE has been found. I suffer from sleep apnea and have difficulty sleeping and breathing. That I can recall, I have had four surgeries on my nose, 1 on my face, 2 on my left knee, 1 on my right knee and 1 on my elbow. This would truly be life-changing money for me and for other members of the class."
Wanderlei Silva's declaration comes in the wake of UFC Hall of Fame induction
Wanderlei Silva (35-14, 1 draw, 1 No Contest) is a former PRIDE middleweight champion. The MMA legend was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's 'Pioneer Wing' in 2024 despite previously being banned from the UFC by promotional head honcho Dana White. Regardless, as noted, Silva's legal battle against the UFC continues.
Silva's final MMA bout took place in Bellator in September 2018. He retired in September 2022. He notably attended UFC 298 in February 2024 and was featured onstage for the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony in June.
Speaking to ESPN MMA's Megan Olivi, Silva indicated that he was surprised by his HOF induction announcement at UFC 298. Furthermore, 'The Axe Murderer' stated that he was emotional about entering the prestigious club:
"Huge, huge moment for me. I'm so glad to receive the Hall of Fame."
Check out Wanderlei Silva's comments below (0:28):