Popo e Wandelei – Foto: nstagram @wandfc
Acelino “Popó” Freitas and Wanderlei Silva confirmed their weights for the main event of Spaten Fight Night 2 this Friday in São Paulo.
Popó recorded 73.6 kg, while Wanderlei hit 93.8 kg, resulting in a nearly 20 kg difference in the Special Fight category.
The event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, starting at 8 p.m., with live broadcast on TV Globo for the main bout.
Special rules ensure balance
The Special Fight category is approved and overseen by the National Boxing Council.
Under the contract, Popó kept his weight close to 73 kg, and Wanderlei was limited to 95 kg at the official weigh-in.
A clause requested by Popó requires a new weight check on fight day, allowing Wanderlei a gain of up to 3 kg, totaling a maximum of 98 kg.
This measure aims to reduce excessive physical advantages during the fight.
Provocations heat up the atmosphere
During the face-off after the weigh-in, the athletes exchanged barbs in front of the press and audience.
Popó reiterated his taunt, calling Wanderlei a “dead dog,” referencing his rival’s nickname.
Wanderlei responded with a raised fist near Popó’s chin, stating, “This is for you.”
The tension reflects the rivalry built in previous press conferences, raising expectations for the ring.
Full card without issues
All event fighters hit their stipulated weights on the first attempt, with no need for re-weighs.
- Beatriz Ferreira (61.1 kg) vs. Maira Moneo (60.9 kg), for the IBF lightweight belt.
- Hebert Conceição (75.8 kg) vs. Yamaguchi Falcão (76.1 kg), for the Brazilian super-middleweight belt and vacant WBO Latin American title.
- Thiago Manchinha (70.1 kg) vs. Wanderson Barcellos (70.2 kg), unification of featherweight MMA belts.
The weigh-in took place at a hotel in São Paulo, with press access restricted to private verification moments.
Popó’s boxing legacy
Acelino “Popó” Freitas has 41 wins in 43 professional fights, with 34 knockouts.
The Bahian won world titles in super-featherweight and lightweight, historically competing between 59 and 61 kg.
Recently, he participated in events like Fight Music Show, facing celebrities and former fighters.
His boxing expertise contrasts with Wanderlei’s debut in the sport.
At 49, Popó tailored his training to handle the size difference, focusing on speed and combinations.
Wanderlei’s MMA journey
Wanderlei Silva has 35 wins in 50 MMA fights, including 27 knockouts.
A former Pride champion and UFC Hall of Famer, the Paraná native is known for his aggression.
The fight marks his first professional boxing match, after Vitor Belfort’s injury altered the original card.
Wanderlei emphasized confidence in his punching power during preparations.
Broadcast and accessibility
Combate airs the full card from 8 p.m., with narration by Luiz Prota and expert commentary.
Sportv3 shows the first two fights, followed by Globo for Bia Ferreira vs. Maira Moneo and the main event.
The event at Arca in São Paulo gathers invited guests and highlights the Spaten platform in the fight scene.
Fight expectations
Analysts suggest the weight difference may influence Wanderlei’s early aggressive strategy.
Popó plans to use mobility to avoid direct confrontations in the initial rounds.
The four-round bout promises to test adaptations between boxing and MMA styles.
