Vitor Belfort Out of UFC 147 with Broken Hand

00

Following Saturday’s UFC 146 post-fight press conference, company president Dana White reported Vitor Belfort (Pictured) will be forced out of next month’s middleweight scrap against Wanderlei Silva with a broken left hand.

The Brazilians were slated to headline UFC 147 in front of their brethren at Mineirinho Arena in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

Belfort underwent successful surgery today. White claimed the organization is currently scouring their roster for a suitable substitute to stand opposite Silva on June 23rd.

The Octagon’s return to Brazil seems to have been doomed from the jump. After the United Nations’ meeting forced the UFC out of Rio de Janeiro – which would have taken place at Engenhão Stadium’s 47,000-seat venue, which then caused Anderson Silva’s blockbuster rematch with Chael Sonnen to relocate to Las Vegas – the show’s new featured attraction now takes a devastating hit.

A heavyweight bout between Fabricio Werdum and Mike Russow is the card’s co-main event.

Belfort and Silva were serving as opposing coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.”

Here is the card’s updated roster:

Milton Viera vs. Felipe Arantes

Yuri Alcantara vs. Hacran Dias

“TUF: Brazil” Featherweight Finals

“TUF: Brazil” Middleweight Finals

Fabricio Werdum vs. Mike Russow

Wanderlei Silva vs. TBD