MMA veteran Paulo Filho involved in car accident, to undergo surgery for multiple fractures

Former WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho was involved in a serious car accident in Niteroi, Brazil.

According to a police report, Filho was driving a 2004 white Palio with a friend in the passenger seat, when he crashed with a Vectra around 2:25 a.m. Monday local time in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro. Both drivers needed medical assistance.

Filho claims he accidentally drove the wrong way on a road that is currently under construction, colliding headfirst with the Vectra.

“I fractured the acetabulum and my left hand, but I’m fine,” Filho said to MMA Fighting on Tuesday night. “I'll probably undergo surgery tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. I’m waiting now at the Tijutrauma hospital.”

According to Filho, the other driver also suffered an acetabulum fracture.

Filho (23-6-3) established himself as one of the best middleweights in the world between 2005 and 2007, defeating the likes of Chael Sonnen, Kazuo Misaki, Ryo Chonan and Murilo Rua under the PRIDE and WEC banners, but has dealt with many issues outside the cage.

The Brazilian veteran went 7-5-2 since leaving WEC, winning only one of his last seven bouts.