Anderson Silva pulls out of UFC 198 in Brazil

Anderson Silva, one of the greatest fighters in Ultimate Fighting Championship history, has been forced out of his bout Saturday in Curitiba, Brazil.

Silva, a former UFC middleweight champion, was scheduled to face Uriah Hall at UFC 198.

UFC officials confirmed a Yahoo Sports report that Silva has a medical condition that will keep him off the card. A replacement opponent is being sought.

Silva has experienced abdominal pain and might need surgery to have his gall bladder removed, according to the report. It’s the latest in a string of setbacks for the Brazilian legend.

Silva had the middleweight title from 2006 until 2013, when he was knocked out by Chris Weidman. He is the longest reigning champion in UFC history.

The 41-year-old Brazilian also lost a rematch to Weidman when he suffered a gruesome broken leg in the cage. He returned to action after more than a year and won a unanimous decision over Nick Diaz in January 2015, but the win was vacated because of a positive steroid test.

After serving a suspension, Silva returned and lost a unanimous decision to Michael Bisping in February.

His last official win came against Stephan Bonnar in October 2012.

Hall was looking for a signature win after going 2-2 in his past four fights. He is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Robert Whittaker in November.

UFC 198 is headlined by a heavyweight title bout between Stipe Miocic and champion Fabricio Werdum. A middleweight contender bout between Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Vitor Belfort also is on the card.

The event will mark the UFC debut of Cris “Cyborg” Justino, who will meet Leslie Smith in a women’s 140-pound catchweight bout.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj