Recently re-signed UFC light heavyweight Thiago Silva says that he never pulled a gun on his ex-wife, Thaysa Kamiji, back in February when he was arrested outside of decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Pablo Popovitch’s gym.
Silva, a 12-fight veteran of the Octagon, told Ariel Helwani on this morning’s edition of The MMA Hour (h/t MMA Fighting) his version of the story from when he was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 6.
The truth is they didn’t find no proof. I never pointed any gun at my ex-wife, I never tried to hurt (her). Everything she said was a lie. So that’s the truth … I didn’t do nothing. She said I pointed a gun at her, I tried to hurt her. I didn’t point any gun, I didn’t try to hurt her, you know? I wanted divorce, she wanted money, I didn’t want to give the money, she set me up, that’s the truth. I just wanted the divorce. I didn’t want to stay with the girl anymore.
Silva added that Kamiji “set me up” and did not comment on the remarks from the Broward County State Attorney’s Office explaining that his ex-wife was “uncooperative” and “likely moved out of the country, per MMA Fighting.
A member of Boca Raton, Florida’s, Blackzilian fight team, Silva released a video yesterday to thank everyone who stuck by him, as well as the UFC for giving him another chance.
After starting his professional fight career with a solid 13-0 mark, the Brazilian slugger has gone just 3-3 (2 NC) in his past eight contests.
While injuries and two failed drug tests, reported by MMA Junkie, have plagued his recent career, the 31-year-old is riding a two-fight win streak with decisive victories over Rafael Cavalcante and Matt Hamill last year.
While UFC President Dana White initially stated that Silva would “never fight in the UFC again,” he told UFC.com that he deserves to make a living again since he was acquitted of all charges.
Silva is rumored to fight again as early as January and worth noting is that the 205-pound knockout artist hasn’t competed since last October.
Given the circumstances, did Silva deserve one more chance in the UFC or should the company have taken a firm stance on keeping him out of the organization for good?
John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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