Wanderlei Silva, a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, expressed his need for financial help during a hearing regarding a lawsuit by former UFC fighters against Zuffa. He stated that he is experiencing symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
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. One on my face. Two on my left knee. One on my right knee and one on my elbow.
Silva added that if the fighters win their lawsuit against the UFC, the financial compensation would change his life, allowing him to receive necessary medical treatment, secure housing, and provide food for his family.
The 48-year-old Silva last fought in MMA in September 2018 at Bellator 206, where he lost to Quinton Jackson by technical knockout in the second round. His last appearance under the UFC banner was in March 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV 8, where he won against Brian Stann by knockout in the second round. Silva’s professional record stands at 35 wins, 14 losses, and one draw, with one fight declared a no contest.
Recently, UFC's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, announced the settlement of the lawsuit amounting to $375 million.
