Anderson Silva Announces 2015 Return, Predicts Machida vs. Weidman

Anderson Silva will return to the UFC Octagon in 2015, according to the former UFC middleweight champion's latest interview with MMA Heat's Karyn Bryant. 

While UFC president Dana White has repeatedly said, and recently told MMA Junkie, he expects wishes that Silva would return at the end of 2014, The Spider shoots down this possibility, saying that he'd be back by next year and no sooner. 

"Next year, (I'm) back," Silva told Bryant. "(I'm) back for next year. This year, (I'm not) back (to) fight. I have my plans, I have my family. ... So, next year, I don't know when, but next year." 

Silva broke his left leg while throwing a low kick against Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in December 2013, and the Brazilian's road to recovery has been well documented. Currently, Silva is back to kicking with his repaired limb, and this speedy healing process showcases The Spider's determination and work ethic outside the cage. 

While this journey was not an easy one, Silva told Bryant that everything is finally back to normal, and he expects to resume his normal training routine in short order. 

"The last (time) I went to my doctor, my doctor said, 'That's OK, you're ready for (kicking), that's not (a) problem. ... When you're ready, you're back,'" Silva said. 

After this, Bryant asked Silva to predict the UFC 175 main event between current middleweight champion Weidman and the challenger, Lyoto Machida. 

Silva has fought Weidman twice, and he is also a training partner of Machida's, making him well qualified to call this bout. As The Spider sees it, the 185-pound strap is coming back to Brazil on July 5. 

"Lyoto's very, very good, in good body and good condition," Silva said. "I'm believing Lyoto wins. (He) will be the new champion." 

What do you think of Silva's prediction? Will The Dragon capture gold in the middleweight division, or will Weidman continue to destroy his challengers en route to a lengthy run atop the 185-pound mountain?