Written By:  Michael Hatamoto

An anticipated matchup between Wanderlei Silva and Yoshihiro Akiyama during UFC 116 has been placed on hold due to a rib injury suffered by Silva.

Silva reportedly suffered several fractured ribs during training, and it's unknown when he's expected to fight next.

With Silva out of the fight, the UFC has chosen Chris Leben to step in and take a fight on short notice.  Leben, who previously fought during The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale, racked up a second-round TKO against Aaron Simpson.  He wasn't given a medical suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and will fight just 12 days after the Simpson battle.

We're bummed Akiyama and Silva won't be able to fight yet -- but Leben always brings it every time he steps into the cage.