It’s very rare that the worlds of basketball and mixed martial arts cross paths, but when it does it’s always interesting to see a players take on the sport.
With the highly anticipated main event between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman at UFC 168, players from around the NBA watched the bout. With their interests particularly rooted in this match, their reactions were mixed as the fight ended with a shocking injury.
Going into the fight Silva, who is highly regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, was heavily favored despite Weidman being an undefeated champion. Kendrick Perkins of the Oklahoma City Thunder had Silva as the predicted winner heading into the bout.
I got A.Silva tonight. What about y’all my peeps?
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 29, 2013
Despite putting up a strong fight, the match would end in the second round as Silva would break his leg in the middle of the round in shocking fashion. The gruesome injury resulted in Weidman successfully retaining his title, but may have also ended the accomplished career of Silva for good.
The injury was followed by a mix of tweets that ranged from shocked, to heartfelt condolences from several players in the NBA including Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards and the Orlando Magics Tobias Harris. No strangers to injuries themselves, they have both dealt with lingering issues respectively this season.
Damn he broke his leg. Shit. That might be the end of Silva
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 29, 2013
That was a crazy ending in that UFC fight disgusting man hope silva can bounce bak from that
— C.J. Watson (@Quietstorm_32) December 29, 2013
That was sick…. Sad for him. The greatest of all time!!!!
— Nick Calathes (@Nick_Calathes15) December 29, 2013
Prayers go out to Anderson Silva
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) December 29, 2013
UFC is a wild art man !!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) December 29, 2013
An injury in any sport is always devastating, especially when it is as severe as the one Anderson Silva suffered earlier tonight. Despite competing in two uniquely different sports, NBA players understand the significance of a career altering injury. No one ever wants to see a career come to a devastating end. Well wishes are expected, as Cleveland Cavaliers star Anderson Varejão offered some optimistic words in his tweet.
Hope to see you back soon, @SpiderAnderson! Don’t give up, champ!
— Anderson Varejão (@VAREJAOANDERSON) December 29, 2013
Whether this is the end for Silva or not, it’s good to see the admiration that fans of the UFC have for such a famed fighter.
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