Anderson Silva Is Back & Gunning For Another Title Shot
Former long-time UFC middleweight champion and former pound-for-pound king Anderson “The Spider” Silva is set to make his return to action against No. 7-ranked veteran Michael “The Count” Bisping in the main event of February 27’s UFC Fight Night 83 from the O2 Arena in London.
Silva has been on the sidelines since he scored a unanimous decision victory over Nick Diaz in the main event of last January’s UFC 183. However, that win was changed to a no contest after “The Spider” tested positive for multiple performance-enhancing-drugs (PEDs).
He was handed a one year suspension which is in effect until this upcoming January. Prior to his bout with Diaz, Silva was sidelined for quite some time as well nursing a brutal leg injury suffered against Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 168.
Having hit some rocky times in the last few years, Silva, at age 40, may be nearing the end of an illustrious career, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to hang up his gloves just yet.
Recently speaking on his future, the Brazilian legend admitted that Bisping poses a stiff test, but Silva hopes to go after yet another title shot:
“I would love this fight to be in Brazil, but it’s going to be a pleasure to come back and face Michael Bisping at the sold out O2 Arena in London,” Silva told UFC.com. “It’s been a while since I fought in London for the last time, and I’m really excited to be back. I believe this is going to be a big test so I can come back and go after a title shot.”
Owning the record for most consecutive UFC victories (16), and most consecutive UFC title defenses (10), a second title run would surely cement Silva’s already historic legacy.
At this stage of his career, however, does Silva have enough left to make noise in the stacked 185-pound division?
