Millions of people tuned in to watch the UFC fight between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman on Saturday.
For those who didn’t tune in, Silva attempted a kick at Weidman’s leg and broke his tibia. The images were gruesome and many watching from home were horrified.
But, now what? Anderson Silva has had a fantastic career in the UFC, but is his career over? ESPN reports that though the injury is not a career ender, it is going to be extremely difficult to recover from. Then after recovery, Silva will have to undergo intensive physical therapy and then train again, possibly learning to fight all over again.
During a conference on Monday, Dr. Steven Sanders, Silva’s surgeon, gave details on the injury and the operation to repair the tibia. According to FOX Sports, Silva, the former middleweight champion of the world, will remain on bed rest. Muscle atrophy will begin almost immediately while Silva is immobile.
Sanders says that the bone will eventually regain the strength that it once had and there is now a titanium rod that is backing that bone up. The rod will be able to safely stay placed in Silva’s leg for the rest of his life.
The Brazilian fighter will stay in the hospital for a few days to recover before he is able to return home.
The only thing he has been asking doctors since he has been in the hospital is when he will be able to train again.
The incident will certainly slow the fighter down, but though his injury is only days old he is mentally ready to train again. Sanders says that it will be approximately six to nine months before Silva can head back to training again.