Anderson Silva won't return to the UFC in 2014
Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva might just be a miracle of science given how quickly his leg has healed since being shattered during his December 2013 fight against Chris Weidman at UFC 168.
Silva's leg snapped in two during a kick that left the UFC icon laying on the ground, writhing in pain after having his limb twist around Weidman's knee in a gruesome manner. Just hours after the injury occurred, Silva was already undergoing surgery to set the bone back in place and stabilize his leg.
Now less than three months removed from the incident, Silva is walking, kicking and even doing jiu-jitsu on the injured leg. The incredible progress even prompted UFC president Dana White to speculate that Silva would return before the end of 2014, but apparently that's not the case.
"These rumors that I'll fight at UFC 181 or any other event around that date aren't true," Silva said when speaking to Combate (translation by MMAFighting). "This year is over for me. There's a chance I'll fight in the first half of 2015."
Silva's incredible recovery has everyone in awe of just how quickly his body reacted and healed the severely damaged leg. While the former champion fully intends on continuing his rapid rehabilitation, returning this calendar year just isn't in the cards.
Getting back in the UFC Octagon is still the long term plan for Silva, although he does say that fighting for the title isn't something that consumes him right now. The biggest goal is just getting back in the cage to compete again, but whether or not that eventually leads to a title shot is unknown.
"Anderson's phase as the champion is over. Fighting for (the title) is a little far away from me," Silva said.
When he comes back, Silva also admitted that he's not sure he'll actually finish the new 10-fight contract he signed just before the first bout against Weidman in 2013, but he's explained to his family that he does want to continue competing.
There's just no time limit on when he returns or how long he'll stay once he gets there.
