After suffering a horrific leg injury during his title fight against current UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 168, Anderson Silva was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital to undergo immediate surgery on his deformed limb.

Following the surgery, the UFC released an official statement revealing doctors managed to stabilize Silva’s fractured tibia but it would take months for the former champion to recover from the surgery.

“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.”

With an injury that severe, no one will blame Silva if he chooses to hang up the gloves once and for all. We here at Cageside News wish Anderson a speedy recovery and send our prayers to his family and friends.