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Most MMA fans understand the dangers that fighters face when they step into the ring or cage for a fight. But fewer understand the dangers that fighters face when cutting immense amounts of weight prior to fights.
Former Bellator and current PFL star Daiane Silva is sadly the latest example of these dangers. Silva remains hospitalized in England after a weight cut gone wrong before her scheduled Bellator debut ended with her in an induced coma.
Over a month after the incident, Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com reports that Silva is still in the hospital and remains under sedation.
Bellator Star Daiane Silva Sedated After Suffering Kidney Fai;ure Due To Weight Cut
“As Daiane made weight for her debut in Bellator, she suffered an accident due to dehydration,” Silva’s manager Alex Daivs told MMAFighting. “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.”
Cutting weight often involves extreme levels of dehydration. It’s why fighters often look like a shell of themselves when they step on the scale and led to Silva suffering from kidney failure prior to being placed in a coma.
It’s also why the NCAA instituted strict guidelines around weight-cutting for college wrestling.
Fellow PFL star Cris Cyborg placed the blame at the feet of Silva’s team for her heartbreaking situation.
“Really sad,” Cyborg said. “‘Leidy Dai’ had a tough cut. I know when you have a tough cut the (people) responsible for you is your trainers, is your coach around you. I think you have to be cut safe and make an agreement with the event and I know they did, but the corner didn’t follow the rules. It’s really sad. I hope she recovers fast. I know she’s in bad situation but we pray for her and support her so she can come back home soon.”