Doctor Believes Anderson Silva Could Return To Fighting If He Wanted To
Right after longtime former UFC middleweight Anderson Silva champion broke his leg in his rematch against Chris Weidman at UFC 168, many thought that the gruesome injury had spelled the ultimate demise of “The Spider.”
While snapping your leg in two is never good for a fighter, especially one that is 38-years-old, the morbid thought of Silva’s career being finished was at least quieted a bit when the UFC released a statement detailing the success of Silva’s immediate surgery.
The statement stated Silva was at home recovering with his family and would need a three to six month recovery period after breaking both the tibia and fibula in his left leg. Silva is understandably distraught at the outcome of his failed title bid, issuing a heartfelt message to fans on Instagram:
“I want to thank all my fans and friends for their support and caring message, I’m fine now and I need to be with my family, a good rest with my children and wife will help me in recovery. Thanks Brazil.”
Indeed “The Spider” has earned it. Without an official announcement regarding his fighting future, his status is undoubtedly up in the air and will be for the foreseeable future. Another fight is probably the furthest thing from Silva’s mind, and that’s okay.
However, there is hope for him to come back should he choose to. Dr. Steve Mora, a renowned orthopedic surgeon who has treated several MMA fighters in the past, spoke up to MMA.tv to describe the nature of Silva’s injury, believing he could fight again if he so desired. Many thought that Silva’s advancing age would not allow it, but that’s not the biggest deciding factor according to Dr. Mora:
“His age is not a big contributing factor,” said Dr. Mora. “38 is not old when it comes to this injury. As far as this injury healing properly, he should have an excellent chance, if it’s an uncomplicated fracture without nerve damage. He’s a healthy man, so the bone should heal properly. The people that have problems with healing fractures are the elderly or people with major health problems.
“How long is it going to take to heal? The injury could take 3-6 months to heal, and then to be recovered enough to get back to fighting, it could take a year, not because of age, but because of the nature of the fracture. They tend to be stubborn to heal in everybody. I think there’s a very good chance that he heals and recovers sufficiently to get back to his fighting career. That’s obviously if he wants to. He’ll have to get over some hurdles, but it’s quite possible that he can.”
The surgery going well coupled with Dr. Mora’s positive assessment of the situation definitely leaves a glimmer of hope for fighting fans that want to see “The Spider” go out on a different note than the horrific spectacle witnessed on Saturday night. Of course, it all hinges on Silva’s true desire to come back to the Octagon.
Rumors are swirling that Silva told his corner he felt a snap in the leg during the first round, and that the injury only worsened when Weidman checked a leg kick in the second. Either way, Silva is facing a lengthy recovery time, both physically and mentally.
We’ve seen a similar injury in the Octagon when former The Ultimate Fighter contestant Cory Hill snapped his leg. He returned after 14 months on the shelf. That’s a long time, but something tells me Silva just won’t let that unfortunate ending be the way fans remember seeing him go out.
A vicious knockout would have better, because at least then we know Weidman truly had his number. “The All-American” was definitely winning the fight but we just don’t know what would have happened without the injury.
How long will it take Silva to return to MMA, if ever? Do you think he should push himself to return or stay on the sidelines?
Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea for USA TODAY Sports
