VIDEO: Anderson Silva's career looks to be over after suffering 'worst injury in UFC history'
Former champion suffered the break in rematch against Chris Weidman
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Here is what could well be the final kick of Anderson Silva's legendary Ultimate Fighting Championship career after the Brazilian suffered a horrific leg break during his rematch for the middleweight title against Chris Weidman at UFC 168 on Saturday night. UFC President Dana White called it the "worst injury in UFC history".
The 38-year-old was taken out on a stretcher after the shocking injury to his left leg during the second round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, when he kicked Weidman's leg but the force of the strike snapped his own leg at the shin.
Referee Herb Dean immediately ended the fight, and Weidman retained his title with a second-round technical decision. It was the first time that Silva had lost successive UFC bouts. He had previously gone seven years undefeated in the Octagon before his first loss to Weidman in July.
Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, 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 stabilised 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."
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