Report of Anderson Silva rib injury surfaces, champ and UFC deny

A report today of an injury to Anderson Silva brought swift denials from the middleweight champ’s reps and the UFC.

Posted on Brazilian website Yahoo! Esporte Interativo, the report cited anonymous sources at a medical clinic where Silva was alleged to have gone for a broken rib and stated his next fight was in jeopardy if the injury was confirmed.

Silva’s physical therapist refuted the rumor, according to the report. UFC President Dana White and a Silva rep also told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the middleweight champ has not suffered an injury.

Silva (33-4 MMA, 16-0 UFC) is set to meet Chris Weidman (9-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) at UFC 162, which takes place July 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight is the 11th title defense for “The Spider,” who’s also won 16 straight fights inside the octagon.

Today, the middleweight kingpin gave an interview to MMAjunkie.com in which he spoke about his fight with Weidman and gave no mention of injuries. He is considered as much as a 3-to-1 favorite to win the fight.

Injuries were a top story of 2012 for the UFC, which saw multiple cards significantly altered by fighters forced to drop out. The promotion has had significantly fewer problems this year.

Silva injured his rib prior to a fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 117, but kept the problem secret until after the fight, which he won with a spectacular come-from-behind submission. His doctors reportedly told him not to fight.

During his reign, Silva has taken brief hiatuses from the sport to nurse various wear-and-tear injuries, but never has a severe injury become public.

Silva most recently fought this past October, when he stepped up on short notice to fight Stephan Bonnar after an injury left UFC 153 without a headliner. In another highlight-reel performance, he won by first-round TKO.

For the latest on UFC 162, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.