Some sad news. Holando Pinheiro da Silva, father of MMA legend Wanderlei Silva, was killed in a car accident in Brazil earlier today.

Bandnews FM Curitaba has the report (translated by Google):

The father of MMA fighter Wanderlei Silva, Holando Pinheiro da Silva, died in a car accident this afternoon. The accident occurred in the region of Castro, where his father lived fighter. The body was taken to the Forensic Institute of Ponta Grossa, in the Campos Gerais region. According to relatives, Wanderlei Silva is in Las Vegas, United States, and was told of the accident by phone. The fighter comes to Paraná tomorrow.

Silva tweeted the following:

Translated by Google:

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

Silva, a long-time champion in the Pride organization has been a top star in the UFC since 2008. He last fought in the headliner of UFC 147 in a decision loss to Rich Franklin.

Bloody Elbow's staff extends our deepest condolences to the Silva family in their time of loss.