UFC: Anderson Silva will not fight at UFC 198 due to health problem

The UFC reported last night that former middleweight champion Anderson Silva suffered from a gallbladder problem and will be unable to participate in UFC 198, which takes place this Saturday in Curitiba.

The organization specified that Anderson Silva, also known as "Spider", fell ill with a gallbladder disease and may even need surgery. Since Monday, the 41-year-old Brazilian fighter began experiencing abdominal pain.

UFC is now looking for a replacement fighter to face Uriah Hall, who is already in Curitiba. However, nothing has been confirmed yet, so Hall might also be removed from the main card.

The company even expressed on its website that those who wish to return their event tickets are able to do so. Silva was going to be one of the main attractions of the Curitiba event.

Considered one of the best fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA), Anderson Silva was going to face Hall after a streak of three consecutive losses in the UFC. His victory against Nick Diaz was annulled due to doping.

"My goal is to win this fight [against Uriah] and be on the UFC 200 card [next July 9th]. After that, I will prepare for the next challenge they give me," said "Spider" a few days ago to El Comercio.