Seasoned mixed martial artist Jay Silva has tragically passed away aged 45, as reported by News.Az, referencing MY MMA News. The entire mixed martial arts community and UFC community has been plunged in grief, with the cause of death not being announced as yet.
Who is Jay Silva?
Born in Luanda Angola, Silva, who died at 45, started competing as a mixed martial artist since 2008. He has fought for organisations like UFC, Bellator, the MFC, KSW and Tachi Palace Fights. Silva was reportedly raised in the East Coast of the United States of America and took interest after watching the inaugural season of the Ultimate fighter and subsequently took training under Brazilian mixed martial artist Renzo Gracie.
Silva concluded his MMA career with a record of 12 wins, 14 losses, and 1 draw, beginning his professional journey in 2008. He competed in two UFC bouts between 2009 and 2010, where he was defeated by unanimous decision against C.B. Dollaway and Chris Leben. Known by the moniker “Da Spyda Killa,” Silva also fought for Bellator MMA and contended for the middleweight championship in KSW. Following his UFC tenure, he faced prominent fighters such as Hector Lombard, Kendall Grove, Sam Alvey, and Mariusz Pudzianowski. His final bout occurred under the Fame MMA organization on April 5, 2025, where he was defeated by Denis Labryga via unanimous decision.
FAME MMA announced his death, stating on X:
“With immense sadness, we inform you of the death of FAME athlete Jay Silvy. Jay brought great joy, positive emotions, and the professionalism of a true athlete through his performances. He will forever remain a part of our federation’s history! We extend our deepest condolences to Jay’s loved ones, family, and friends. Rest in peace!”
The 45-year-old had also notably faced Alex Pereira’s coach Plinio Cruz at KAP: “The Return of Macaco” in 2009 to World’s Strongest Man, Mariusz Pudzianowski, at KSW 40: “Dublin” in 2017. The veteran MMA fighter made his UFC debut against CB Dollaway at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs Guillard but it came in a losing cause. His next fight was against Chris Laden on January 11, 2010 at UFC Fight Night 20 and again lost. He was then released along with Kyle Bradley.
Silva married Andrea in the year 2021.
