Anderson Silva in hospital following successful surgery on broken leg

Following UFC 168 on Saturday night, Anderson Silva had immediate surgery to repair the broken left leg he suffered in a loss to Chris Weidman.

Silva broke his leg in gruesome fashion when Weidman checked a leg kick with his right knee. With Silva unable to continue, Weidman retained his UFC middleweight title by technical knockout due to injury.

UFC orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Sanders performed the operation, and the UFC released the following statement on Sunday:

The successful surgery inserted an intramedullary rod into Anderson's left tibia. The broken fibula was stabilized and does not require a separate surgery. Anderson will remain in the hospital for a short while, but no additional surgery is scheduled at this time. Recovery time for such injuries may vary between three and six months.

At age 38, it's unclear whether Silva will have the desire (not to mention the physical capability) to come back from such a devastating injury.

Check out all of the results, news and reaction from UFC 168.