Who is Wanderlei Silva fighting? ‘Popo’ had to rescue Spaten 2 because ‘scared’ Vitor Belfort ‘chickened out’

Former UFC middleweight rivals Vitor Belfort (26-14, 1 NC) and Wanderlei Silva (35-14-1, 1 NC) were expected to rematch inside a boxing ring atop the upcoming Spaten Fight Night 2 event tomorrow night (Sat., Sept. 27, 2025) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but Belfort suffered a “very serious injury” and was forced to withdraw.

So what happened?

Belfort was reportedly concussed while training for his “Axe Murderer” rematch, with Spaten docs noting “significant symptoms” and “abnormalities in his imaging studies.” Sounds reasonable; however, Silva’s longtime coach, Andre Dida, suggests the real cause of Belfort’s withdrawal is a chronic case of chickenitis.

This is not the first time Belfort bailed on Silva.

“In my opinion, Vitor had to present a medical report, more exams. Not just [say], ‘the doctor said this and that.’ It’s too behind the curtain,” Dida explained to MMA Fighting. ”And show it to the fans. ‘Look, here’s the injury.’ Post it on Instagram. Make people feel your pain.“

“Vitor hasn’t made anyone feel his pain so it’s all too dubious,” Dida continued. “I think Vitor should come out and clarify things for his fans because I don’t believe what was posted. I think he really chickened out, he quit. And it’s not a good look for him. I think Vitor didn’t want it as bad as Wanderlei.”

“Phenom” out, “Popo” in.

Taking over for Belfort is former WBO super featherweight champion Acelino Freitas, who also held gold in the WBO lightweight division. “Popo” retired with a 41-2 record with 34 knockouts, presenting a dangerous test for “The Axe Murderer,” especially when you consider that Silva has been plagued with CTE symptoms after more than 20 years in the hurt business.

Silva was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame back in summer 2024.