UFC legend Wanderlei Silva suffering CTE symptoms in frightening health update: ‘depression, mood swings, and irritability’

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Wanderlei Silva is one of the most accomplished fighters of all time.

“The Ax Murderer” rose to prominence as an absolute force in the PRIDE ring, putting together the longest unbeaten streak in the promotion’s history and stomping his way to four title defenses. The legendary bruiser joined the UFC roster in 2007 with his best years behind him, but he still managed to defeat some quality opposition like Michael Bisping and Brian Stann in his six years on the roster. Earlier this year, the 48-year-old Brazilian was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame despite having previously been banned by Dana White.

He walked away from fighting in 2018 and officially retired in 2022.

Sadly, Silva is suffering serious health concerns after his combat sports career. He took a lot of damage in every step of that fighting career, getting knocked out by the likes of Mirko Crocop and Quinton Jackson. The UFC antitrust case, which recently reached a second settlement to the tune of $375 million, has revealed a frightening health from Silva. According to the Brazilian, he’s suffering CTE symptoms that include mental health struggles and desperately needs the money from the settlement.

A key part of Silva’s declaration reads, “While fighting for the UFC, I suffered many significant injuries, including concussions. I fear that during my career I have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and am noticing symptoms common with TBI and CTE including depression, mood swings, and irritability. To date, no treatment for CTE has been found. I suffer from sleep apnea and have difficulty sleeping and breathing. That I can recall, I have had four surgeries on my nose, 1 on my face, 2 on my left knee, 1 on my right knee and 1 on my elbow.”

Silva desperately requests approval of the settlement so that he can afford necessary health care and keep his home. Silva’s statement is very upsetting but hardly unique. John Nash’s full thread on X is worth reading if interested in the lawsuit, and it’s filled with accounts of broken UFC veterans struggling to make ends meet.

The new settlement is still awaiting approval from the presiding judge, who struck down the first settlement offer because he didn’t feel it was a large enough sum.

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