Belfort-Silva Off for UFC 112

Tatame.com was the first to report that Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, had sustained a shoulder injury that jeopardized his participation in the bout. UFC President Dana White has since confirmed Belfort’s withdrawal with Yahoo Sports.

Chael Sonnen, named the No. 1 middleweight contender following his shutout unanimous decision against Nate Marquardt at UFC 109 last Saturday in Las Vegas, was issued a 30-day “no contact” medical suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Sonnen sustained a sizable cut on his forehead from a Marquardt elbow during the second round of the 185-pound contest which required stitches.

UFC 112 will still feature a lightweight title bout between B.J. Penn and Frankie Edgar, as well as a featured welterweight matchup between former champion Matt Hughes and Renzo Gracie.

Zuffa, the UFC’s parent company, recently sold a 10-percent stake to Flash Entertainment, an Abu Dhabi-based event management company that specializes in concerts, cultural and sport events and more.