When Gabriel Silva joined the UFC, most people knew him as a Brazilian bantamweight prospect who followed the footsteps of his older brother Erick Silva. But there’s way more to that in his remarkable life story.
“Gabito” Silva, who looks to score his first Octagon victory against Kyler Phillips at UFC Norfolk, was diagnosed with a rare syndrome at age 9. He had no idea at the time, but the kid that wanted to become a soccer player would be forced away from all physical activities for five years.
Like every inspirational story, Silva’s began with a scare.