The worlds of hip-hop and MMA converged last night at Studio 54 at MGM Grand to celebrate the birthday of legendary mixed-martial artist Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva. Inside the venue, the ecstatic partygoers danced to beats by DJ Skribble and honored the fighter as he took the stage to receive his birthday cake. Naughty by Nature performed after the birthday celebration to the electrified crowd at Las Vegas’ most iconic nightclub.
Silva hit the red carpet in style, arriving with an entourage that included fellow UFC fighter Dan Hardy, UFC cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran and Xyience spokesmodels Amber Nichole and Amanda Corey. Wearing a Xyience button-down shirt and jeans, Silva received a huge ovation from the fans trying to grab a glimpse of their hero. Silva took the time to greet fans and pose for pictures with them, a sign of his gratitude for their support and devotion. Supporting him this evening was his wife Tea Silva, who looked radiant in a gold blouse and black shorts.
Sporting his trademark mohawk, Hardy also wore a black button-down shirt paired with his paint-splattered converse sneakers. Accompanied by Elizabeth Holloway, Hardy also greeted fans and took photos after walking the red carpet. The family affair continued when Duran walked the carpet in his black button-down shirt, flanked by his two daughters Angela Hunter and Carla Duran.
The last group to hit the carpet was legendary hip-hop trio Naughty by Nature. Vin Rock hit the carpet first wearing DJ-inspired designer T-shirt and baggy white shorts. Treach walked the carpet sporting New York Yankees Jersey and jeans, topped with a baseball cap, while DJ Kay Gee joined his two colleagues on the carpet wearing a pink polo shirt and jeans.
Silver took center stage shortly after midnight as Studio 54 honored the fighter with a one-of-a-kind birthday cake to commemorate the occasion. Led by the world-renowned DJ Skribble, the partygoers at Studio 54 sang happy birthday to the MMA star as he beamed on stage, with the 54 Dancers surrounding him to help celebrate.
Following the birthday celebration, hip-hop pioneers Naughty by Nature took the stage at the Vegas hotspot for the myriad fans that packed the nightclub. Playing hits like “Feel Me Flow,” “O.P.P.” and “Hip Hop Hooray,” the Grammy-winning trio got the crowd jumping as Treach took off his Yankees jersey and eventually tore off his tank top. The performance was highlighted by a tribute to the late Tupac Shakur. The group played some of his songs and remembered one of hip-hop’s greatest artists.
For more on what the celebrities did to celebrate UFC 116 this weekend in Las Vegas:
Fight Night: MMA Fighters Celebrate at Tao Beach and Surrender Nightclub in Vegas
Fight Night: UFC Fighters Get Their Pre-Party on at Studio 54 at MGM Grand
