The clock is ticking on Anderson Silva‘s career.
At 37 years of age, the UFC middleweight champion has achieved every accolade in the sport, but a plethora of nagging injuries could finally force him to hang up his gloves.
UFC President Dana White recently spoke with AFLA about the possibility of the curtains closing on arguably the most illustrious career in the history of the sport.
“He’s probably the greatest fighter in history,” said White (through Google translation). “I think he has two more title defenses and [don’t] know what’s next, if he will retire.”
Silva is widely recognized as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Since becoming UFC champion in October 2006, “The Spider” has decimated all comers on his way to breaking a multitude of UFC records.
In the octagon, Silva holds records for most consecutive title defenses, most successful title defenses, most consecutive wins and the longest title reign in UFC history.
There will never be another Anderson Silva.
“Age is [expletive] man. It’s the only thing you can not cheat,” said White. “The fighters who become champions never finish their careers at that height. Anderson may have the ability to do this. The problem is that you never know when time will end for you. You are the king of the world, get in there and one day is half a second slower than before, and only you will know right away.”
Silva has been dealing with persistent injuries that have kept him from competing on a more consistent basis. He is currently dealing with shoulder issues that will likely keep him sidelined until June 2012.
If the end truly is in sight, White expects the middleweight champ to go out with a bang.
Chael Sonnen, Dan Henderson, Vitor Belfort, Mark Munoz and Michael Bisping are all possible contenders for Silva’s title, but when considering the end of perhaps the greatest career in MMA history, White understands that fans deserve more than just rematches and unmarketable side shows.
“He could end his career with a super fight against Jon Jones or Georges St-Pierre. Then he could take a boat and sail into the sunset.”
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