Vitor Belfort Withdraws; Wanderlei Silva Fights Popó
Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva did not meet in the planned boxing rematch at Spaten Fight Night 2 on September 27, 2025. Belfort withdrew after suffering a concussion, and Acelino “Popó” Freitas replaced him as Silva’s opponent.
Belfort is ruled out
Silva’s bout with Freitas ended in a disqualification after an illegal blow, rather than a rematch of their 1998 UFC meeting. Belfort’s original withdrawal changed the main event, and the event concluded with a post-fight brawl that drew separate suspensions.
Silva faces Freitas instead
Belfort had stopped Silva in 44 seconds in their first fight at UFC Brazil in 1998. The planned boxing bout would have been their first rematch, but it never took place.
Silva and Belfort’s original rivalry began at UFC Brazil in 1998, when Belfort won by first-round TKO. Their proposed boxing rematch drew interest because the men had not fought again after that bout. Belfort’s concussion forced a late change, leaving Silva to face Freitas in a separate contest under boxing rules. The planned rematch was to take place under boxing rules, nearly 27 years after their first meeting in the UFC. Belfort’s medical withdrawal left the promotion to arrange a substitute.
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