MMA legend Anderson Silva isn't done with UFC yet. Some of us might have started thinking long ago that the career of the Brazilian combat sports veteran ended during UFC 168, which took place exactly two years back.
Silva shattered his tibula and fibula after his shin kick came in contact with Chris Weidman's knee during the fight, and thus that also saw two straight defeats for Silva against Weidman in the UFC.
Six months to recover is considered a long time for a combat sports athlete, and fans had almost given up hope of his return.
"The Spider", however, made a surprise return after being on the sidelines for over a year, and took on Nick Diaz in the main event of UFC 183 in January 2015. Amazingly, the Brazilian won the fight via unanimous decision, but there was trouble again.
It was disbelief for UFC fans around the world as Silva was accused of failing a drug test, and what made it more embarassing was the fighter himself admitted to the Nevada State Athletic Commission he had taken banned substances.
Silva was not only fined all the winning money he earned after UFC 183, but also suspended from UFC for a year.
Come 2016, we will get to see the most decorated UFC Middleweight champion in history once more inside the Octagon. Silva, who is now 40, faces Michael Bisping in the main event of UFC Fight Night 83 at the O2 Arena in London on 27 February.
"The Spider" is not only looking at a convincing win in the upcoming UFC event, but he is also willing to take back the title that remained around his waist for seven long years.
"I have a dream that I'm going after, and that's to get that belt back," Silva said this week during a media conference call. "I'm going to do it. I'm going to try my best to get back there and get it done.
"I'm prepared to fight whoever the UFC puts in front of me. My motivation is that a lot of people have counted me out and I believe and I've always believed that I can do things that people think are impossible," said Silva.
"A lot of people think it's crazy, a lot of people think it's impossible, so with all those people thinking that, that's what's motivating me to prove them wrong and follow my dream."
Luke Rockhold is the current UFC Middleweight champion. The American southpaw is currently 31 years old, while Silva is almost a decade older. Will UFC President Dana White give the legend a title shot if he wins convincingly against Bisping? Only time will tell.
But, for Silva, retirement is just not on the cards. He looks hungry for more.
"I'm a martial artist. I train martial arts every day. It's a part of my life. Fighting is something that I've done very well and still do very well," Silva said. "I'm well trained. And I'm motivated. Motivation comes from the inside. As long as I'm motivated and excited to keep fighting, I'm going to keep doing it, as long as my body will let me.
"After my last fight [against Nick Diaz] I had a discussion with my family. I explained to my kids what I'm doing and why I'm doing it, and my kids are completely supporting. I'm going to fight as long as my body and motivation allows."
