Mixed martial artist Thiago Silva held in Florida on gun charges

Thiago Silva, a 31-year-old Brazilian mixed martial artist, was being held without bond Saturday in a Florida jail after allegedly threatening his estranged wife with a gun Thursday.

Silva, who had his Ultimate Fighting Championship contract terminated on Friday following news of his arrest, was taken into custody after a four-hour standoff with police in Broward County.

Officials allege that Silva confronted his extranged wife, Thaysa, at a mixed martial arts academy in Oakland Park.

Silva’s attorney, Scott Saul, told the Associated Press that the charges included aggravated assault with a firearm and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

“He’s upset because he’s been humiliated and he’s in jail,” Saul said. “He’s been very unfairly treated as some type of aggressive animal just because he’s a professional athlete. There are no marks on this woman’s body. He’s not accused of ever hitting her. When I’m dealing with him, I’m dealing with the perfect gentleman.”

The UFC released a simple statement on its website Friday: “The Ultimate Fighting Championship has terminated the contract of Thiago Silva, effective immediately.”

Silva, who is from Sao Paolo, opened his MMA career with 13 consecutive victories, including three in a row in UFC bouts. Fighting mainly at light heavyweight, he is currently 16-3.

Thaysa Silva had a temporary restraining order against her husband following a Jan. 30 argument over an extra marital affair. She told police that Silva had threatened her with a gun and placed it in her mouth. Police said Silva sent threatening text messages to his extranged wife on Wednesday.