Brazilian featherweight UFC fighter Jean Silva delivered perhaps the most unexpected quote ahead of the promotion's first show in 2026.
It all started when his future opponent at UFC 324, Briton Arnold Allen, jokingly called Silva his 'autism brother.' Allen had previously mentioned that he considers himself a 'typical quiet and awkward autist,' though without an official diagnosis.
Jean decided to respond as directly as possible:
'Allen— I don’t know if he officially has it, but I do. Damn, what a thing... I'm autistic. I underwent an examination and received an ASD diagnosis. So two autists will be fighting in the cage. But I'm absolutely sure— I am the one winning that evening,' the Brazilian said in an interview.
At the press conference, Silva went further and addressed Dana White directly:
'If you give us an increased Fight of the Night bonus— you'll see how two autists really tear apart the cage.' Dana, unfazed, briefly replied: 'Deal.'
Let us recall that the UFC 324 tournament will take place on a Sunday night in Las Vegas, USA.
