UFC middleweight contender Vitor Belfort has already undergone successful shoulder surgery and is expected to be out of training for at least four months, a source told MMA Fighting.
Belfort had suffered through shoulder pain since mid-2009 and had undergone several anti-inflammatory injections since that time, including leading up to his Sept. 2009 match with Rich Franklin, a fight he won by first-round TKO to set up his expected title match with Anderson Silva.
The former UFC light-heavyweight champion hoped to be able to get through the UFC 112 training camp and fight without surgery, but was recently advised by his doctor that he could no longer delay surgery without risking greater injury, the source said.
He underwent an arthroscopic procedure earlier this week. The expected rehabilitation time makes it likely that he won't be able to return to action until late summer or early fall.
MMA Fighting reported early this morning that Anderson Silva will still compete at UFC 112 and likely defend his title. UFC President Dana White said Silva will fight at middleweight, indicating a likely defense of his championship, though he did not name an opponent.
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