UFC Champion Anderson Silva Hospitalized With Back Injury, Still Plans To Fight Nick Diaz

Former UFC champion Anderson Silva has been hospitalized after a back injury sustained during a training session.

According to a report from Brazilian news site Combate, Silva experienced pain and numbness in his legs after a training session at X-Gym in Rio de Janeiro. He was taken to Hospital Barra D’Or, where the issue was diagnosed as acute lumbar pain. Silva was reportedly released on Tuesday.

In an exclusive interview with UFC.com, Silva’s coaches and the Brazilian Athletic Commission doctor, Dr. Marcio Tannure, said the training incident that sent Silva to the Rio de Janeiro hospital for an exam and treatment is not serious and will not jeopardize his five-round return bout against Nick Diaz.

Silva has battled numerous injuries throughout his UFC and MMA career. The discomfort he experienced in his lower back on Monday night is not related to the surgery Silva underwent to repair a leg fracture sustained during a fight against Chris Weidman in December 2013, Dr. Tannure said.

The Inquisitr reported on that incident, noting that Silvia’s career was in jeopardy of ending due to the horrific nature of the injury he sustained in his leg and back.

The middleweight champion has since recovered from those injuries and is now considered as the best pound-for-pound fighter in UFC history.

Silvia’s doctor went on to explain the nature of the injury.

“This type of lower back pain is known as lumbago, and is common in contact sports athletes — NFL players, for example, routinely experience symptoms of lumbago. Rest, therapy, muscle strengthening exercises and anti-inflammatory medications often alleviate the discomfort and stiffness.”

According to Tannure, the recovery is simple and Silvia can resume his normal training sessions within 10-15 days. Meanwhile, he is taking anti-inflammatory medication and undergoing physiotherapy.

“Strengthening and balance of the muscles are the best prevention for this type of problem, along with reducing the training intensity,” Tannure said.

Silvia will need to do all he can to ensure that he remains injury free as he still plans to fight Nick Diaz early next year at UFC 183.

The Bleacher Report has reported that Diaz has been providing plenty of his own pre-fight drama. According to Bleacher columnist Steven Rondina, Diaz was arrested in September on suspicion of DUI, which called attention to another unpublicized DUI incident in which he was involved last year.

The Silvia vs. Diaz fight is set for January 31, 2015.

[Image Credit: USA Sports Today]