The injury bug continues to cause problems for the UFC, as title challenger Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort has been forced to withdraw from his upcoming UFC Middleweight Championship bout with Anderson “The Spider” Silva. Tatame.com first reported on the cancellation of the UFC 112 fight.

Belfort suffered a shoulder injury in training that has left him unable to participate on the historic debut UFC card in Abu Dhabi. The promotion is looking at other options for Silva, but it is currently unknown whether he will remain on the card and if his title will be on the line.

Belfort (19-8-0), a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, returned to the Octagon at UFC 103 after a four-and-a-half year absence. The feared striker knocked out Rich “Ace” Franklin in the first round of their main event bout and was named as the next challenger for Silva’s 185-pound crown. With 13 of his wins coming by way of knockout, Belfort was expected to pose a threat to Silva if he could keep the fight standing, but the injury will prevent him from competing for the title.

Silva (25-4-0) may remain on the card, but his participation is presently unknown. The reigning champion has won 11 straight fights, with ten of those coming inside the Octagon. Having dispatched of much of the division, Silva has recently entertained thoughts of retirement, but challengers such as Demian Maia and Chael Sonnen remain on the radar. Sonnen is unlikely to replace Belfort, however, as he is under a 30-day no contact medical suspension following his victory over Nate “The Great” Marquardt at UFC 109 on Saturday.

UFC 112: “Invincible” takes place on April 10th at the Ferrari World Concert Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)