ShakeSonnen (R-OR)
06-23-2010, 06:07 PM
Wanderlei Silva has dealt the forthcoming UFC 116 event a major blow just 10 days before it is scheduled to take place, pulling out of his co-headliner with Yoshihiro Akiyama due to injury.
Silva, who was coming into the fight off the back of a decision victory over Britain's Michael Bisping, damaged his ribs during training and is expected to deliver a full explanation for his withdrawal within the next 24 hours. It is believed the Brazilian has suffered a fracture of the ribs.
As a result, Chris Leben is expected to step in for what should be a stand-up war against Akiyama. Leben is yet to pen the contract, but at such short notice he is one of the few middleweights in the correct condition to take the fight.
Leben beat Aaron Simpson in the second round of their Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale encounter on Saturday, a bout in which he received little punishment. With only two weeks separating that victory from UFC 116, "The Crippler" will hope to chalk up two rapid-fire wins to propel himself up the 185lb division.
Akiyama goes into the fight off the back of 11 straight victories following his UFC debut against Alan Belcher.
Silva, who was coming into the fight off the back of a decision victory over Britain's Michael Bisping, damaged his ribs during training and is expected to deliver a full explanation for his withdrawal within the next 24 hours. It is believed the Brazilian has suffered a fracture of the ribs.
As a result, Chris Leben is expected to step in for what should be a stand-up war against Akiyama. Leben is yet to pen the contract, but at such short notice he is one of the few middleweights in the correct condition to take the fight.
Leben beat Aaron Simpson in the second round of their Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale encounter on Saturday, a bout in which he received little punishment. With only two weeks separating that victory from UFC 116, "The Crippler" will hope to chalk up two rapid-fire wins to propel himself up the 185lb division.
Akiyama goes into the fight off the back of 11 straight victories following his UFC debut against Alan Belcher.