Anderson Silva Planning on Fighting 5 More Years

Failed drug test or not, Anderson Silva isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The former UFC middleweight champ’s training is now focused on extending his professional fighting career for another five years. During a Q&A session in Rio de Janeiro, per MMAFighting.com, Silva said he hopes to begin fighting two or three times a year:

"

The only serious injury I had was on my leg now. I spoke with my team, we discussed everything and saw that it was possible. We’re training now focused on fighting for five more years. I already have my schedule for the next five years. If we can fight more, two or three times a year, it’s better.

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Silva, who turns 40 in April, signed a new 15-fight contract with the UFC back in October, according to Combate (h/t MMAFighting.com).  

On the surface, the deal was believed to be a measure of good faith being shown by the UFC to arguably the greatest fighter in MMA history.

After the devastating leg injury Silva suffered in his bout with Chris Weidman over a year ago, no one really expected him to actually compete 15 more times.

But the former pound-for-pound king appears completely focused on righting the ship and clearing his name after failing multiple drug tests for his UFC 183 bout with Nick Diaz.

“I will be back next year,” Silva said.

Silva is scheduled to stand in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for a hearing regarding the failed tests in April.

An actual date will be set once the commission finishes analyzing everything Silva took during his leg treatment and training camp leading up to UFC 183.

If the failed results stand, Silva is expected to receive a lengthy suspension.

Jordy McElroy is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA writer for Rocktagon and FanRag Sports.