Weight cutting continues to be dangerous.
Last month prior to Bellator Champions Series: London, which took place on Sat., September 14, 2024, Bellator fighter Daiane Silva, who was scheduled to compete against Eman Almudhaf, had a botched weight cut that led to her being hospitalized.
According to MMA Junkie, “Silva began to show signs of severe physical stress due to dehydration and fainted.” The Brazilian was then hospitalized and was induced into a coma, where she remained for the last five weeks.
Thankfully, the 29-year-old has shown signs of consciousness throughout this week.
Silva’s manager, Alex Davis who was not in London at the time, explained more about the situation.
“Daiane had an accident as she made weight for her debut in Bellator in London. She was promptly seen by a doctor and was transported to a hospital in very delicate condition. She was admitted and has been kept in an Intensive Care Unit since. She has been under careful medical treatment and has been steadily improving,” Davis told MMA Junkie.
“Bellator, myself, her team, her doctor, and the medical team at the hospital have been working closely together to support her and help her get well. Please join us in our support and well wishes for her and her family as she recovers from a very difficult situation. I would also like to commend Bellator’s support through all of this.”
Professional Fighters League (PFL), which purchased Bellator last year, has tried to keep this situation quiet. MMAMania.com can confirm that PFL employees were specifically told not to talk about Silva and not to respond to any requests.
Silva started her MMA career in 2021, picking up a spit decision at Nacao Cyborg 10, and then scored two first-round stoppages in 2023 before being signed to Bellator.