Veteran manager Alex Davis recounts the harrowing experience of his client, Daiane Silva, who suffered kidney failure and was placed in a medically induced coma following a severe weight cut for a Bellator fight, highlighting the dangers of extreme weight cutting in combat sports and advocating for reforms to prevent such life-threatening situations.
Alex Davis received a message he never anticipated, much less wanted. As a seasoned manager for fighters like Edson Barboza and Amanda Ribas, he’s no stranger to the martial arts world. But nothing prepared him for the news about Daiane Silva’s harrowing weight cut.
In September, Silva faced a short-notice fight at Bellator, attempting featherweight for the first time. Her body shut down, leading to kidney failure from dehydration. She was rushed to the hospital, a scenario Davis had never encountered.
Davis recounted waking up to messages about Silva’s hospitalization. “I thought she was going to make weight,” he said. The situation was a first for him, highlighting the dangers athletes face when pushing their bodies too far.
Upon reaching London’s medical facilities, doctors placed Silva in a medically induced coma. Initially, Bellator officials remained silent at Silva’s family’s request, navigating this terrifying ordeal privately.
“It’s very scary,” Davis admitted. The family wanted privacy during this critical time. However, Bellator acted swiftly; they got her medical help immediately. Eduardo Lima from PFL and Bellator played a crucial role in ensuring quick action.
Throughout Silva’s coma, Davis stayed in constant contact with her family and medical team. Despite witnessing weight-cutting issues before, he never imagined it could lead to such dire consequences.
“I had no idea what happens from that point,” Davis confessed. He learned about the severe risks of dehydration, including high sodium levels affecting kidneys and brain function.
With Silva’s condition not improving initially, discussions arose about transporting her back to Brazil. Yet, PFL and Bellator supported all necessary measures without hesitation.
“Amazingly, she started getting better,” Davis revealed. Slowly emerging from the coma, Silva showed signs of recovery with an angelic friend by her side. It wasn’t an instant process but marked significant progress.
Silva eventually returned to Brazil for long-term care. A GoFundMe was planned to help cover ongoing medical costs as she continued her recovery journey.
Davis sees Silva’s experience as a cautionary tale against extreme weight cuts in combat sports. “It was a big wake-up call for me,” he said, emphasizing the need for change in how these situations are handled.
Reflecting on past incidents like Yang Jian Bing’s death in 2015, Davis praised ONE Championship’s efforts to curb extreme weight cuts through hydration testing—a protocol he believes is ahead of others.
While acknowledging he doesn’t have all the answers, Davis stresses the importance of addressing weight-cutting practices across major organizations worldwide. “This can happen,” he warned, urging the sports community to recognize the risks and act before it’s too late.