Anderson Silva Looking To Represent Brazil In 2016 Summer Olympics
Currently waiting his punishment for failing two drug tests before and after his UFC 183 decision win over Nick Diaz, former middleweight champion Anderson Silva is looking for other avenues to utilize his fighting talent.
According to a report from the Brazilian Taekwondo Federation (CBTKD) via MMAFighting.com, Silva, who is a fifth dan black belt in the art, is seriously considering competing in Taekwondo for Brazil in the 2016 Summer Olympics, which take place in Rio de Janeiro:
“Everyone knows that for a high performance athlete, the Olympic Games are the dream of every athlete and so it would be no different with me. When I won the title of ambassador of the sport by President Carlos Fernandes, this feeling started to get even stronger and, in my country, the Olympic spirit made me very motivated. It will be a great pleasure to be part of this team and that gold has a serious institution, led by President Carlos Fernandes great honor for us, along with his entire team. So I leave here registered my desire to represent the Taekwondo and Brazil in Rio 2016 Olympic Games. With all my esteem, strength and honor.”
“The Spider” would be over 40 years old by the time that the Olympics rolled around, but the idea is something he’s played around with before. He’s stated he isn’t retiring from the UFC and will fight again when his suspension is lifted, perhaps even in 2015.
The all-time great recently received a continuance for his hearing and is expected to appear before the NSAC sometime tentatively around May. Whether he’s dealt a lengthy suspension or not, Silva could potentially be returning to a full slate of high-profile combat sports.
The CBTKD stated that president Carlos Fernandes is currently discussing the possibility with “The Spider,” making it a realistic proposition that he does in fact show his Taekwondo skills for Brazil.
Would he be able to compete with the young athletes who have focused their whole lives on just that one sport?
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
