Wanderlei Silva Says He’s Suffering From Concussion-Like Symptoms

MMA legend Wanderlei Silva says that he is currently battling through concussion-like symptoms. The UFC, Bellator and PRIDE veteran spoke with Brazilian site PVT and said he’s dealing with eight symptoms that concussion-related. Highlights from the interview are below:

On learning about his issues: “I was in a lecture about concussion and of the 10 symptoms the guy mentioned, I had eight. The symptoms would be, for example, mood swings, getting angry very fast, forgetting some things, having difficulty sleeping. In our time, I believed that the more punch you took, the more you could bear it. And it’s the other way around: the more punches you take, the less you can handle at the time of the fight. If it is to leave a tip for the boys, it is not to get beat up every day. Those who have a young student (in MMA), do not let the student get punched in the head.”

On not planning to retire yet: “It would be a perfect event [a fight with Vitor Belfort] to bring Bellator here to Brazil. I’m most interested in this rematch. I cannot talk about the guy because I lost. I’ll do two more (fights) with him if he wants to, no problem at all. I’m fine, I’m healthy, I’m training and at this point in my career, it would be a great goal for everyone. I cannot end my career without this fight.”