Anderson Silva‘s legendary career was set to add another chapter at UFC 168, but unfortunately for the former champion, this installment was of the unfortunate and brutal variety.
The fighter heralded as the “greatest of all time” suffered a devastating injury during his highly anticipated rematch with Chris Weidman on Saturday as a checked leg kick resulted in the 38-year-old snapping both major bones in his lower leg. The MMA world let out a collective gasp when the pound-for-pound great’s leg went limp upon impact of the strike and he fell to the ground writhing in agony. Referee Herb Dean rushed to bring a stop to the fight and Weidman was awarded the victory via TKO due to injury.
Immediately following the fight, Silva was stretchered out of the Octagon and rushed to a local hospital for emergency surgery. Per an update released by the Zuffa, the UFC’s parent company, it appears the operation was a success, as the orthopedic surgeon inserted an intramedullary into the tibia in Silva’s left leg. While the fibula was broken as well, no corrective surgery was necessary and no additional surgeries are scheduled at this time.
The statement released by the organization details Silva’s situation in detail and also suggests the former middleweight king will be out anywhere from three to six months.
Following Saturday evening’s UFC 168 main event, former champion Anderson Silva was taken to a local Las Vegas hospital where he underwent surgery to repair a broken left leg. The successful surgery, performed by Dr. Steven Sanders, the UFC’s orthopedic surgeon, inserted an intramedullary rod into Anderson’s left tibia. The broken fibula was stabilized and does not require a separate surgery. Anderson will remain in the hospital for a short while, but no additional surgery is scheduled at this time. Recovery time for such injuries may vary between three and six months.
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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