Mixed martial arts great Jay Silva has died just days after his 45th birthday, following a 17-year career that saw him fight in some of the sport’s biggest organisations and try his hand at kickboxing.
The African-born star passed away on May 31, and a cause of death has not been announced.
‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of FAME fighter Jay Silva,’ read a statement from the Polish MMA promotion where he made his last appearances as a fighter.
‘Through his performances, Jay brought a great smile, positive energy, and the professionalism of a true athlete.
‘He will forever remain a part of our federation’s history! We extend our sincerest condolences to Jay’s loved ones, family, and friends. Rest in peace!’
Born in Luanda, Angola, Silva mainly fought out of California during his long stint in MMA.
The MMA community is mourning former UFC and Bellator star Jay Silva (pictured) after his death on May 31
Silva is pictured fighting C.B. Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 19 in 2009
The fight veteran said he wanted to be remembered as ‘the greatest fighter the world has ever seen. I want people to remember me as a beast’
Silva had two fights in the UFC, losing to C.B. Dolloway by unanimous decision in September 2009, and also falling short on points against Chris Leben in January 2010.
Prior to that, he had a record of five wins and just one loss in professional MMA.
Silva – who was nicknamed ‘Da Spyder Killer’ after beating Kendall ‘Da Spyder’ Grove in the Superior Cage Combat competition in February 2012 – also fought feared heavyweight Hector Lombard in Bellator.
His last two fights saw him defeated by Michael Quintero in November 2019, and Denis Labryga in April last year, according to Sherdog.
In October 2017 he also lost a majority decision to Marius Pudzianowski, who won five World’s Strongest Man titles and set more than 20 world records.
In 2007, Silva was still working as a nightclub bouncer in New York and watching MMA on TV when he met UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, who convinced him to move to California and train with him.
He developed his interest in the sport when he watched the first season of the UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter program and ‘realised I could do that if I wanted to’.
Silva also trained with boxing guru Freddie Roach, who famously helped Manny Pacquiao become an icon of the sport.
In 2009, he was asked how he would like to be thought of after his time in the fight game was up.
‘I want to be remembered as the greatest fighter the world has ever seen. I want people to remember me as a beast,’ he said.
