Anderson Silva breaks leg in fight with Chris Weidman, UFC says surgery successful

The Brazilian mixed martial artist and long time UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva remains in a Las Vegas hospital today after snapping his left lower leg Saturday evening throwing a kick at champion Chris Weidman in an effort to regain the UFC middleweight title at  the main event of UFC 168 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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The gruesome break, which involved his fibula and tibia, happened when Weidman blocked the kick with his knee, brought Silva to the mat writhing in pain prompting Referee Herb Dean to immediately stop the fight giving the fight to the undefeated champion, Weidman.

The UFC released the following statement  regarding Anderson Silva’s injury:

“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.

“Anderson is deeply touched by the outpouring of support from his fans and the entire MMA community. There has been no immediate decision about his future, and he would kindly ask for privacy at this time as he deals with his injury and prepares to return home to recover.”

The UFC estimated his recovery time to be as long as six months and many wonder if the injury is career-ending.