MMA

Anderson Silva cleared to begin training, plans 2015 return

May 7, 2014, 9:13 PM | Updated: 9:13 pm

When Anderson Silva broke his leg in one of the most horrific ways imaginable during his title fight against Chris Weidman at UFC 168 back in December, many predicted it would be the end of the former champion’s long and storied career.

But now less than five months after fans witnessed Silva’s bone pop out of his shin, the Brazilian revealed that not only is he cleared to begin training again, but also plans to make his return to the octagon as early as next year.

“Next year, [I’m] back,” Silva told MMA H.E.A.T.’s Karyn Bryant. “[I’m] back for next year. This year, [I’m not] back [to] fight. I have my plans, I have my family…So, next year, I don’t know when, but next year.”

If you follow Silva on Instagram, you should already know that he has begun the long rehab process and has been recently cleared to begin throwing kicks with his surgically repaired limb.

“The last [time] I went to my doctor, my doctor said, ‘That’s OK, you’re ready for [kicking], that’s not [a] problem. … When you’re ready, you’re back.”
While Silva said he is no longer feeling any pain in his leg after returning to the gym, there was a brief period where he doubted he would ever be able to step in to the cage again. But with the help of his family and students, he has since pushed past the initial shock of the gruesome injury.

“When I broke my leg, for one month, [there] were a lot a problems, a lot pain. I was scared…At the time when I broke my leg, I [did not] know if I would be back. But now I am good and I am very happy. I stayed together with my family, stayed together with my academy, working hard. So I am very, very happy. ”

MMA

Associated Press

Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder in 11th round thriller

Tyson Fury got up from two fourth-round knockdowns and stopped Deontay Wilder in the 11th round Saturday night, retaining his WBC title.

3 years ago

Conor McGregor sits while receiving attention for injury while fighting Dustin Poirier in a UFC 264...

Associated Press

Conor McGregor injures leg, Poirier wins UFC 264 showdown

Conor McGregor's leg and ankle buckled when he stepped back from a blow by Dustin Poirier that downed the former two-division UFC champion.

3 years ago

In this handout image provided by the UFC, Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Co...

Associated Press

Dustin Poirier knocks out Conor McGregor in 2nd round at UFC 257

Dustin Poirier stopped Conor McGregor with a flurry of punches Sunday, avenging his loss to the Irish superstar with a knockout victory at UFC 257.

3 years ago

Associated Press

Usman, Volkanovski, Yan leave Fight Island with belts

Kamaru Usman retained his welterweight title with a smothering victory over short-notice challenger Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 on Sunday.

4 years ago

In this handout image provided by UFC, Dustin Poirier celebrates after his victory over Dan Hooker ...

Associated Press

Dustin Poirier wins decision over Dan Hooker in UFC thriller

Dustin Poirier won a thrilling unanimous decision over Dan Hooker on Saturday night after surviving a brutal second round.

4 years ago

Curtis Blaydes battles Alexander Volkov of Russia in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Ni...

Associated Press

Curtis Blaydes stifles Volkov in UFC heavyweight bout

UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes dominated Alexander Volkov with wrestling Saturday night, earning his fourth consecutive victory.

4 years ago

Anderson Silva cleared to begin training, plans 2015 return