Popó takes a dig at Anderson Silva and guarantees a 'real fight' against Wand: 'I have respect'

Acelino Popo is one of the legends of boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@popofreitas

apparently, Acelino Popo enjoyed getting into a collision course with MMA fighters. This Saturday (27), in São Paulo, the boxing legend faces Wanderlei Silva in the main fight of Spaten Fight Night 2, replacing Vitor belfort, and adopts a vocal stance to promote the confrontation. In addition to provoking the duo, the Bahian, who has already knocked out José Pele Landy and discussed with José Aldo, also pinned Anderson Silva.

In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, Popó revealed that he made sure that the duel against Wanderlei did not have an exhibition character, unlike the trilogy between the former UFC champion and Chael Sonnen, who led the first edition of Spaten Fight Night in June 2024. As it was a 'friendly match' involving veterans, knockouts were not allowed and the fight ended in a draw.

See too

Vitor Belfort reveals he's rooting for Wanderlei Silva against Popó: 'It's the first time I'm rooting for him'

Wanderlei Silva downplays Vitor Belfort's withdrawal from the fight and praises Popó: 'An even better opponent'

Popó opens the door to a boxing match against Vitor Belfort and provokes: 'If he doesn't give up again'

Popó questions Wand's technique and promises a knockout: 'The first hand that lands, it's over'

In fact, many fans criticized the third fight between Anderson and the American due to the duo's lack of aggression. Aware of the incident, Popó made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the athletes' stance and assured that the fight against Wand will be completely different—that is, for real. Therefore, the duel between the former boxing and Pride FC champions will count toward the professional record, and a knockout is permitted.

“First, I asked if a knockout was valid and they said it was. In all the fights I've had in Fight Music Show, I made sure to put in the contract that it's valid for a knockout. It's something I have, I know what I can do. I know I can knock out. I'm not going to make the delivery that the Anderson Silva did last time at Spaten Fight Night. I have respect and consideration for the people who trusted me,” declared the boxing legend.

Spaten Fight Night 2 fight schedule

Acelino Popó Freitas x Wanderlei Silva (Boxing)

Lightweight (up to 61kg): Beatriz Ferreira x Maira Moneo (Boxing)

Middleweight (up to 74kg): Hebert Conceição x Yamaguchi Falcao (Boxing)

Featherweight (up to 66kg): Thiago Manchinha vs. Wanderson Barcellos (MMA)