Wanderlei Silva's father killed in tragic car accident

Bad news out of Brazil.

Holando Pinheiro da Silva, father of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight Wanderlei Silva, was killed yesterday in the Castro region of Brazil in a tragic car accident.

Silva, based in Las Vegas, is headed home today to be with his family.

The former PRIDE "Axe Murderer," who is coming off a close decision loss to Rich Franklin back in June, told mixed martial arts (MMA) fans he was already booked for his next fight, but his opponent had yet to be announced by UFC officials.

From Wandy's Twitter:

Thank you for the strength my brothers please pray for our family time and more difficult still as well that we have the support of God. Thanks for all prays all MSG all support my guys sad day, thanks for your help again.

After the jump, a video of Silva with his dad posted just a few days ago.

Our condolences to the Silva family for their loss.