Two-time UFC veteran Jay Silva dead at 45

Jay Silva, a veteran mixed martial artist who competed across multiple promotions during a 17-year career, has died at age 45. Fame MMA, the organization where Silva most recently competed, announced his passing on social media Monday without disclosing the cause.

Silva compiled a 12-14-1 record across 27 professional fights beginning in 2008. His résumé included two UFC appearances in 2009–2010, where he lost unanimous decisions to C.B. Dollaway and Chris Leben. Beyond the UFC, Silva fought for Bellator MMA and competed in KSW, where he challenged for the middleweight title. He faced notable opponents including Hector Lombard, Kendall Grove, Sam Alvey, and Mariusz Pudzianowski during his career. Silva's final bout occurred under the Fame MMA banner on April 5, 2025, a unanimous decision loss to Denis Labryga.

Both Fame MMA and KSW issued tributes to Silva following news of his death. Fame MMA praised his professionalism and positive energy throughout his time with the federation, while KSW extended condolences to his family and friends, acknowledging his legacy as a former middleweight title challenger in their organization.