The word horror took on a whole new meaning at UFC 168 in the much-anticipated rematch between Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva.
According to a statement released by Zuffa on Sunday, Silva suffered a broken tibia and fibula on Saturday night after going shin to knee with Weidman on a leg kick. The initial perception from fans was complete confusion on what had actually occurred.
It wasn’t until the UFC showed the replay that grotesque and distorted facial expressions spread throughout the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas like a contagious disease.
Silva had attempted to throw a left leg kick, which Weidman immediately blocked with his knee. The collision of shin on knee caused an immediate break, which left the bottom part of Silva’s leg dangling freely. It was a very disturbing image that will likely haunt fans for the rest of their lives.
In the released statement, it was also revealed that the usual recovery time for such an injury is three to six months after the surgery. However, this timetable most likely excludes the many months of rehabilitation that will be needed to help Silva’s leg return to 100 percent, if that’s even possible.
The general consensus among Silva’s peers on Twitter is that the MMA legend has fought his last fight.
It’s tough to envision a 38-year-old Silva returning from such a devastating injury.
An injury of this magnitude could literally take years to fully recover from. It isn’t logical to expect a man at Silva’s age to bounce back and resume competing against the best fighters in the world at 185 pounds.
What more does he have to prove?
Silva has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in the UFC, and he will likely go down as the greatest fighter in MMA history.
There comes a point in time in every sport where a superstar needs to step down and pass the torch to the next generation. It’s the inevitable circle of life generated by Father Time.
No man, woman or beast escapes the cold clutches of Father Time, not even the great Anderson Silva.
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