Wand (photo) paid tribute to Kimbo. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Recently signed from Bellator, Wanderlei Silva he even planned a fight against Kimbo Slice in his debut in the new organization. However, the Brazilian was shocked by the news that Slice passed away on Monday night (6), a victim of heart problems. Thus, Wanderlei paid tribute to his almost opponent and highlighted the fact that yet another MMA athlete dies prematurely.
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"Rest in peace! Wow, first [Kevin] Randleman, now Kimbo. It’s even scary, it’s coming earlier and earlier for mine”, wrote the Brazilian, in a long post published on his Instagram account.
Even though Kimbo's death was related to heart problems, Wanderlei was aware of the fact that MMA can have consequences on the brain condition of fighters, and he himself has already started to show some after-effects. “I attended a lecture on concussions (minor brain damage caused by impacts). Out of 15 symptoms presented by the specialist, I had 12,” he said.
Precisely for this reason, Wanderlei was against the new law governing athletic commissions that prevent fighters from rehydrating with intravenous fluids after weigh-ins. This law that prohibits fighters from taking serum is a crime against the brain, because when you dehydrate, you also lose fluid in the brain, greatly increasing the chances of serious damage resulting from blows. There are several of my friends who are different from before, they are going a little crazy. And now, who will take care of us? Anyone who hasn't saved money will experience difficulties, unfortunately. We have no help whatsoever! It’s all on us”, he lamented.
An MMA veteran, Wanderlei is one of the main Brazilian names in the sport, with titles in the extinct Japanese organization PRIDE. The Curitiba native has a record of 35 wins, 12 losses, one draw and one no-contest in professional MMA. Six of his losses came by knockout or technical knockout.
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