Anderson Silva’s co-main event bout at UFC 237 against Jared Cannonier came to an unfortunate end after an unfortunate leg injury. The former middleweight champion took an inside leg kick from Cannonier before collapsing to the mat in pain.
As a result of the injury in Rio de Janeiro, which occurred on the same leg that was snapped in half against Chris Weidman at UFC 168, Silva could be out of action for up to six months.
Silva has been “suspended 180 days or until cleared by an orthopedic doctor following right knee MRI; minimum suspension of 45 days with 30 days of no contact” by the Brazilian Athletic Commission, Comissao Atletica Brasileira de MMA (CABMMA).
For the first time since his injury, Silva has broken his silence with a statement on social media.
While the statement was carrying an incredibly positive tone considering the circumstances, it appears that Silva has his eyes set on a potential return to the Octagon down the line. You can see Silva’s statement below, followed by a translation from MMAjunkie.com:
“Until the limit. Pain is your friend. It shows you are not dead yet. They say that great symbols become great targets, perhaps. But the most important thing is to not victimize yourself. If you fell, get up. If it’s broken, fix it. No giving up or thinking that you can’t because you lost a battle,” Silva wrote.
“There is one saying, I will go until the end and the more they pressure me, the more I will want to go until the end. There’s nothing wild that feels sorry for itself. An old lion surrounded by hungry hienas, crazy to devour him and he still fights to the death without ever feeling sorry for himself. And it won’t be different with me. Strength and honor.”
We continue to wish the former champ a full recovery.
