UFC 147: Wanderlei Silva Ready for Fight of His Life Against Vitor Belfort

Wanderlei Silva has been anticipating a rematch with Vitor Belfort for a long time. 

The two Brazilians last met in the Octagon nearly 14 years ago when Belfort finished Silva in only 44 seconds. It was the first time the company set foot on South American soil.

The UFC will now return to Brazil for UFC 147 in June, and needless to say, "The Axe Murderer" is eager to avenge the loss to Belfort.

"I've waited all my career for this fight. I've waited for (14) years for this fight. He is one of the guys I really, really want to fight before I (retire)," Silva said while appearing on The MMA Hour. "This fight is the fight of my dreams."

Silva's UFC tenure hasn't been too kind to him, suffering three knockout losses in his last five bouts, but he has rebounded and put together an exceptional record at 185 pounds so far.

Recent wins over formidable opponents like Michael Bisping and Cung Le have put some motivation back into Silva; however, he is still a heavy underdog entering his next fight with Belfort.

But Silva has embraced his role as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil and is an icon in his home country. Once labeled as a violent, aggressive fighter, Silva intends to associate himself with other young fighters, hosting charitable events, and hopes to continue working with the UFC once his career is over. 

While the idea of considering retirement left Silva hesitant, the task is not as intimidating as he once thought, and he has accepted the fact that he is no longer the same fighter.

And when he decides to call it a career, Silva says he is grateful for everything he has accomplished. 

"You need to respect the body. We're not 22, 23 years old. I'm 35," he said. "I'm so happy for my career."