Jay Silva, a veteran MMA fighter who competed in the UFC and later fought overseas, died Sunday, according to Polish MMA promotion FAME.
He was 45.
Silva’s death came less than a week after his birthday. A cause of death has not been released.
FAME MMA announced the news in a social media statement, remembering Silva for the energy and professionalism he brought to the sport.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of FAME fighter Jay Silva. Through his performances, Jay brought a great smile, positive energy, and the professionalism of a true athlete,” FAME MMA wrote on social media. “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!”
Silva had two fights in the UFC, both coming during the early stretch of his professional career.
The whole KSW Team would like to send condolences to the family and friends of late former KSW fighter and middleweight title challenger, Jay Silva.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/oJUwC5CfLL
— KSW (@KSW_MMA) June 1, 2026
He faced CB Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 19 in 2009 and Chris Leben at UFC Fight Night 20 in 2010. Both bouts ended in decision losses.
Two years later, UFC star Quinton “Rampage” Jackson encouraged him to move to California and take training seriously.
Silva, a native of Luanda, Angola, went on to build a long combat sports career that took him through cage fighting, Bellator, Superior Cage Combat, kickboxing and FAME MMA.
He finished his professional MMA career with a 12-14-1 record.
Silva made no secret about the legacy he wanted to leave behind.
Młody, wesoły i inteligentny facet.
Jae Silva niestety już na opuścił. Za wcześnie kumplu. Do zobaczenia po drugiej stronie. pic.twitter.com/dTnl2ZRERg— Marcin Najman (@MarcinNajman) June 1, 2026
“I want to be remembered as the greatest fighter the world has ever seen. I want people to remember me as a beast,” Silva said in 2009.
His career included fights against a wide range of opponents, from Plinio Cruz, the head coach of UFC star Alex Pereira, to five-time World’s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski.
Silva earned the nickname “The Spider Killer” in 2012 after defeating Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove at Superior Cage Combat 4.
His final fight came in April 2025 at FAME 25 in Częstochowa, Poland, where he lost by unanimous decision to Denis Labryga.
Though his UFC run was brief, Silva remained a familiar name to longtime MMA fans who followed the sport through its gritty rise and expansion around the world.
From New York nightclub doors to the UFC cage and international fight cards, Silva carved out a hard-nosed career in one of the toughest sports on the planet.
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