Wanderlei Silva wrote a lengthy message apologizing to the UFC for saying they fixed fights. His attorney also confirms his UFC release following the message.
Wanderlei Silva is sorry. Months after he publicly said on the internet he had proof the UFC fixed fights, “The Axe Murderer” now went on Instagram to apologize for his claims and admit he did not understand what his words actually implied.
Silva, who has been banned from the sport by the Nevada Athletic Commission wrote a lengthy message apologizing to the UFC. Here’s what he wrote and confessing he does not have evidence to prove the UFC does fix fights.
“I was wrong. I apologize. In July of last year I posted a number of comments on Facebook and Twitter which included repeated claims that the UFC fixed fights and that I could prove it. I hereby retract any such statements in their entirety as I failed to understand what the term ‘fight-fixing’ specifically refers to the illegal action or practice of dishonestly determining the outcome of a contest before it occurs. I understand the UFC’s reputation would be harmed if my fans and others actually believed the UFC engaged in fight fixing, and I have no evidence to support such a claim. I apologize for any misunderstanding my comments may have caused.”
Following the message, Wanderlei Silva’s attorney, Ross Goodman, confirmed he was released from the UFC shortly after.
“The UFC has released Wanderlei from any and all obligations or rights to Zuffa, which obviously now allows him to do whatever he wants.” Goodman told MMA Junkie.
Wanderlei Silva is 39 years-old and has retired from the sport after his lifetime ban. In his last fight, he defeated Brian Stann by knockout in March of 2013. He’s scheduled to appear before the Nevada Athletic Commission in February for a review of his ban, which was overturned by a Nevada District Court judge back in May of last year.