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MMA legend Vitor Belfort has now officially withdrawn from his title fight against Anderson Silva scheduled to take place on April 10 at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking to Brazil's TATAME, Belfort revealed that his shoulder was injured even prior to his fight last year with Rich Franklin at UFC 103. Though Vitor was able to work through the pain to defeat Franklin via impressive first-round knockout, the condition of his shoulder continued to deteriorate as he prepared for his fight with Silva.
After a consultation with one of Brazil's leading doctors, Belfort was told he had to stop training immediately, and he underwent surgery to correct the problem earlier this week. The recovery from surgery is expected to keep him from training for five months, but it will be even longer until he is able to fight again.
"Around eight months," Belfort answered when asked how long his operation would keep him from competing. "The surgery was great, I'm way better now, but I have to rest. Let's move on. I'll work to be better when I come back to fight."
Belfort's injury leaves Silva with no clear opponent to face him for UFC 112. Chael Sonnen, who won the right to a future middleweight title shot after defeating Nate Marquardt at UFC 109, was placed on medical suspension until March 9 due to lacerations he suffered during the fight. This would leave him with little time to prepare to face the champ.
"What do I think?" Belfort responded when asked who deserved to take his place in the match against Silva. "I'll mind my own business. I'll take care of myself in what I have to do. My opponent should be careful for when I come back. When I'm back, they should be ready."
When pressed on whether he felt Sonnen or Demian Maia would be able to defeat Silva, Belfort was guarded in his answer.
"Anyone inside there has chances. The important (thing) is go in there confident," Belfort stated. "I think everybody has chances."
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