Rafael Freitas, son of Acelino 'Popo' Freitas, apologized to Wanderlei Silva after knocking him out in the pitched battle that broke out in the ring between his father's team and the former UFC fighter last weekend in Brazil.

In an interview with the program "Fantastico" From TV Globo, Popo Freitas' son explained that he only acted in self-defense and assured that it was not his intention to hurt Silva.

“When I realized that a general confusion had begun, initiated by Wanderlei’s team, his son, coach Andre Dida, and Fabricio Werdum, I acted in self-defense. In the heat of the moment, I only thought about defending myself and my family. I want to apologize to Wanderlei and his entire family for everything he did for his sport. And it was not my intention,” he said.

MMA legend Wanderlei Silva revealed that he is suffering from a severe headache and an eye injury that prevents him from opening it after the attack by Popo Freitas’ son. For this reason, the Brazilian will undergo extensive examinations this week to rule out any serious head injuries. He will also visit an ophthalmologist for the damage to his eye.

Chaos in the ring

Tensions in the exhibition fight between the two Brazilian sports stars escalated when the referee disqualified Wanderlei Silva in the fourth round for committing his third serious foul of the fight, and Popo Freitas was declared the winner.

The decision sparked outrage in Silva's corner, but things escalated into chaos when members of both teams invaded the ring, leading to a full-blown brawl with punches, kicks, and shoves.

Amid the confusion, Silva was struck with a powerful blow that, according to witnesses and reports, was delivered by 'Popo's' son, Rafael Freitas. The former MMA champion fell unconscious on the canvas and was taken to a hospital, where it was confirmed that he suffered a broken nose and cuts to his face as a result of the assault.

Although Popo Freitas took the official victory by disqualification, the result took a backseat due to the scene sparking outrage in the combat sports community,who criticized the lack of control and the bad example set by the Brazilian legends.