PFL featherweight prospect Daiane Silva remains hospitalized in London following a failed weight cut for a scheduled Bellator bout more than a month ago.
Bellator London featured a nine-fight lineup on Sept. 14. Silva’s promotional debut against fellow newcomer Eman Almudhaf was scheduled to be included among that, however Silva was admitted to the ICU at London’s Northwick Park Hospital on Sept. 13 following a failed cut to 145 pounds.
Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation official and President of the Association of Boxing Commissions Mike Mazzulli told Uncrowned he was asked to send a doctor to Silva’s room 10 minutes before scale closure (10:50 a.m. local time). The undefeated 3-0 fighter never weighed in and the pre-fight medical staff never performed a pre-fight physical, Mazzulli said.
Silva, 29, is still being treated at Northwick after suffering kidney failure and being placed into an induced coma. She has never fought below 155 pounds in her career.
“I have checked on her and was informed she is doing much better but this is the worst part of the fight game,” Mazzulli added. “I know I would have never let her lose any more weight if I saw her.”
In a statement provided to MMA Fighting, Silva’s manager Alex Davis gave an update on her condition and what led to the coma. MMA Fighting reported that Silva is currently still sedated. Brazilian fighter and Silva’s weight-cut organizer Luan Miau has yet to respond to the complications.
“As Daiane made weight for her debut in Bellator, she suffered an accident due to dehydration,” Davis stated. “She was promptly seen by the doctor, was rushed to the hospital in delicate condition, was admitted to intensive care. Her condition was serious, but since, she has been improving steadily and our hope is that she recovers fully. Myself, her team, her doctor, the hospital doctors, and Bellator have been working closely together in support with whatever is needed to help her recovery. We ask all to join us in our wishes and prayers that she recovers fully.”
Cris Cyborg’s Nacao Cyborg Brazilian fight promotion brought attention to the cancelation Saturday night but has since deleted its post.
Almudhaf was informed of the situation when it happened and wishes Silva a good recovery.
PFL officials have yet to speak on the matter despite multiple requests, having been told explicitly not to talk about the situation. According to MMA Fighting’s report, the promotion did fly a friend of Silva’s from Brazil to London, where the friend has continuously provided internal recovery updates. Davis told MMA Junkie that Silva was paid her full fight purse.
Silva started her MMA career as an amateur in 2020, picking up a second-round rear-naked choke submission before turning pro in 2021. Silva’s pro debut was her only fight in Nacao Cyborg, where she won a split decision. She’s finished her two fights since, each in the first round.