Anderson Silva sends encouraging message to NBA's Paul George after horrific leg break

NBA superstar Paul George suffered a horrific leg injury during a Team USA basketball showcase Friday evening at Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center. If anyone can relate to what George is going through, it’s former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

During his UFC 168 title bout with Chris Weidman in December, Silva broke his leg in gruesome fashion while attempting a leg kick. His leg was instantly disfigured from the injury, and “The Spider” has not competed since.

Silva knows the pain and long road to recovery George faces ahead, and he expressed his sympathy toward the Indiana Pacers guard in the form of an Instagram post.

“I had the same injury champ, I know what you are going trough right now, but just stay calm and strong, you’ll be back soon. #PrayForGeorge,” Silva posted on his official account.

With a scheduled bout against Nick Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) slated for UFC 183 in January, Silva (33-6 MMA, 16-2 UFC) says he just now feels at about 95 percent and anticipates he’ll be 100 percent by fight night.

George underwent surgery on his leg Friday night in Las Vegas, and it’s likely he’ll miss the entirety of the 2014-15 NBA season while undergoing recovery and rehab.

For more on UFC 183, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.