Sad news out of Brazil today, Potato Nation, as it has been reported that MMA legend Wanderlei Silva’s father, Holando Pinheiro da Silva, was killed in a car accident yesterday. Holando, who makes an appearance around the 1:20 mark of the above video that was shot just a few days ago, fully supported Wanderlei’s career as a mixed martial artist and claimed he was “bringing pride to all of Brazil.”
Badnewsfmcuritaba first broke the news, as translated by Google:
The father of MMA fighter Wanderlei Silva, Holando Pinheiro da Silva, died in a car accident this afternoon. The accident occurred in the region of Castro, where his father lived fighter. The body was taken to the Forensic Institute of Ponta Grossa, in the Campos Gerais region. According to relatives, Wanderlei Silva is in Las Vegas, United States, and was told of the accident by phone. The fighter comes to Paraná tomorrow.
Wanderlei was quick to thank all of his fans and followers for their support in this trying time:
Translated by Google: Thank you for the strength my brothers please pray for our family time and more difficult still as well that we have the support of God
I believe I speak on behalf of everyone here at CagePotato when I say that my thoughts and prayers go out to Wanderlei and his family. If you have a few minutes on your hand (and a Twitter account), make sure to extend your condolences to him as well.