​Hang on tight. Manager Jorge Nojikoski posted on social media Friday morning to report that ex-Professional Fighters League athlete Bruce Souto had been shot the previous day in what was described as a confrontation related to soccer. According to the manager, Souto was struck in the buttocks by two of the six rounds fired as he tried to escape. He was rushed to Joao XXIII Hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, where doctors have him in stable condition. He is expected to be discharged soon, and his representatives have already used social media to name the alleged shooter.
A member of Souto’s team posted a message on Souto’s Instagram Stories after the incident, confirming his non-life-threatening status and stating that they know who the shooter is. The post, translated by Sherdog staff, read: “Folks, Bruce is fine, thank God. He’s out of danger. We are thankful, from our hearts, to all the people who have been praying and sending messages of support. This chain of faith has been very important to us. We trust in the justice system and believe that the responsible party will answer for everything he did. He won’t go unpunished.” The message went on to assert that the facts were clear: six shots were fired at Bruce, with around 100 people nearby, and the perpetrator did not attempt to hide his face or identity. It claimed that everyone present saw him and that many know him, expressing confidence that the justice system would work as intended and that the criminal would be arrested.
According to Brazilian outlet O Tempo, Souto was shot during a soccer match between local teams. He is known to be a Cruzeiro Esporte Clube supporter in Belo Horizonte, a team that clashes with Atletico Mineiro. Souto is part of Mafia Azul, Cruzeiro’s fervent fan club, while Atletico Mineiro supporters are organized in Torcida Galoucura. The incident has been linked to a dispute over who would lead Mafia Azul, with a member of Torcida Galoucura alleged to have confronted Souto.
Police reports indicate that the shooter approached Souto and demanded, “Do you have a problem with me?” before drawing a revolver and chasing him, firing six rounds as he fled. Estado de Minas reported that Souto identified the shooter to police, noting that the suspect is someone he knows personally.
Another post appeared on Souto’s Instagram on Friday—a hard link that remains beyond the temporary Stories feature—where a team member again named the shooter and demanded accountability. The post labeled the attacker “COWARD!” and asserted that the person responsible was “Vinicin’ Caveira from the G” for better search engine optimization, before calling for justice.