'Pathetic and Careless' UFC Star Jean Silva Under Scrutiny After Choking Fan to Sleep
After a high-profile UFC 314 victory over Bryce Mitchell, Jean Silva has gained attention from many UFC fans for his dominant performances and wild persona. With his first submission win notched under his belt, he improved his record in the promotion to five wins with no losses. The fact that he dispatched of Mitchell, who had made remarks praising Adolf Hitler, made him even more popular in the eyes of fans.
Now, however, fans may be withdrawing their support.
The rising UFC featherweight has drawn widespread criticism after he posted a vlog with footage of himself choking a fan unconscious at a Muay Thai event in Brazil.
The incident occurred over the weekend when Silva, currently ranked no. 11 in the UFC’s featherweight division, interacted with fans. A fan asked Silva to demonstrate a chokehold, and the fighter obliged, locking in a rear-naked choke and holding it until the fan passed out, even after the fan tapped repeatedly. Silva later posted the footage on his YouTube channel, where it was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by MMA platform Championship Rounds and quickly went viral.
Watch the clip here:
Jean Silva chokes out a fan 😳
🎥 @Jeansilvamma96#UFC#MMApic.twitter.com/rnuEpvbIKx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 12, 2025
The video sparked immediate backlash on social media, with people condemning Silva’s actions as reckless and irresponsible. Many pointed out that applying a fight-ending submission on an untrained spectator, especially after they tapped, violates basic safety protocols and consent in combat sports.
“Even if the fan agreed to it, he was tapping multiple times to stop.”
“This is weird, let go on the tap.”
“I don’t understand why fans agree to do this sh—.”
“One of these days, a fan is going to sue a fighter for this.”
“Pathetic. Really careless from Jean.”
Despite the backlash, Silva’s supporters defended the act as harmless fun, noting that the fan appeared unharmed and even laughed afterward.
In the video, the fan regains consciousness quickly, smiles, and hugs Silva.
While Silva has gained attention for his dominant performances, this incident has shifted the narrative toward his judgment outside the cage. Silva’s reputation may take a hit, even if no formal punishment from the UFC or CEO Dana White follows.
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