Pablo Popovitch, who was threatened at gunpoint outside the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym he owns by UFC star Thiago Silva on Thursday night, has issued a statement regarding the incident that has left Silva in jail without bail facing two charges of aggravated battery with a firearm.
“Concerning the incident that took place at Academy last night. During our evening class, at around 7:45pm. Thiago Silva was outside sitting in his car honking the horn non-stop. Thaysa went outside to talk to Thiago to understand what was happening and saw a gun. After that, I went to see what was happening and also saw that he had a gun. He seemed to be under the influence of some type of drug whether alcohol or drugs. My staff notified the police at that time, and soon after the police arrived. He took off and the police went after him.
Thaysa has been separated and living alone since December of 2012. Thiago has been charged with battery in the past and was seeing other girls and moving on with his own life.
It’s very unfortunate that this had to happen, the last thing I wanted us to see Thiago in this manner. I wish him all the best and hope this will soon be over.”
Popovitch, a highly decorated BJJ black belt who won gold medals at both the ADCC and NoGi World Championships, is believed to have been in a relationship with Silva’s estranged wife.
After he was arrested late on Thursday night, Silva was caught on camera stating that the reason he threatened his wife at gunpoint was because, “She wants my house, she wants my money.”
Silva had been set fight Ovince St.Preux at UFC 171 next month, but yesterday the UFC confirmed that they have now terminated his contract.
