CSAC plans to talk with Wanderlei Silva after citing concussion like symptoms
Wanderlei Silva sent shockwaves through the MMA world when he announced he is dealing with several concussion-like symptoms. Obviously, the first worry is CTE and the health of his brain. As well, it was surprising to hear a Silva talk about his health and concussion-like symptoms.
“In our time … I believed that the more punches you took, the more you could bear it,” Silva said to Portal Vale Tudo. “And it’s the other way around: The more punches you take, the less you can handle at the time of the fight.”
“I was in a lecture about concussion and of the 10 symptoms the guy mentioned, I had eight,” Silva added. “The symptoms would be, for example, mood swings, getting angry very fast, forgetting some things, having difficulty sleeping.
“I thought a lot about it and even tried to contact people to make this donation,” he continued. “I have the most interest in donating, since I won’t be using it anyway [laughs]. This area is very important.”
Following the comments, the California State Athletic Commission’s (CSAC) director, Andy Foster responded to those to MMA Junkie in which he is taking comments, ‘very, very seriously.’
“We’re going to have to make sure he’s neurologically fit to go,” Foster said. “If fighters say things like this in the press, we have to follow up. He’s welcome to fight here if he’s medically cleared.”
Silva last fought at Bellator 206 in September in which he suffered a knockout loss to Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Silva has fought 50 professional fights, and to think of the hits to his head is breathtaking. As Silva has been KO’d or TKO’d eight times in his career, plus all the punches to his head during training camps.
It is not known if another Athletic Commission will license him following these comments. However, the main priority is that he can return to full health and his brain can heal.
