UFC Champion Anderson Silva WILL NOT Retire Within the Year (UPDATED)

That time that we have all dreaded may be finally here. One of the greatest fighters in MMA history may be hanging up his gloves, possibly to pursue a career in professional boxing. Anderson Silva told Brazilian cable channel SporTV the following:

"I'll retire next year; I already gave my all. I don't need to prove anything for anyone, and within one year I'll put my gloves aside."

That was just an excerpt from the conversation, but apparently he mentioned retirement several times. It boggles my mind that he would want to leave in the prime of his fighting career, but I very much doubt that he is going to stay in it for the money and risk his legacy much longer.

Why not go out on top and be known as the top p4p (pound-for-pound) fighter on the planet and the most dominant middleweight of our time?

When all the dust is cleared, though, nobody will doubt Anderson's achievements. He has single-handedly came into the biggest MMA promotion in the world (the UFC) and cleaned house.

Currently 7-0 as a UFC middleweight, many believe he will run through his next opponent (Patrick Cote) to push his mark to 8-0. Astonishing if you look at the caliber of fighters you see in the UFC these days.

At any rate, we will miss you, Anderson Silva, if you do actually decide to retire. You have given us many highlight-reel moments, and we hope to see some more before you decide to hang up your gloves.

UPDATE #1: Now according to SunSport, Silva will keep fighting until he gets granted a Green Card by the United States government. He also states that he is unhappy with the fights he is being given and wants to fight around 6 times per year. UFC president Dana White had the following to say:

“He wants to fight six times a year. It makes my job harder but I love it. This guy and Chuck Liddell don't care, they'll fight whoever you put in front of them."

UPDATE #2:  Ed Soares (Silva's manager) dismissed any claims that he would be retiring within the next year. According to mma.tv, he had the following to say:

“Dana hasn't done anything to f*** over Silva,”

“It's the complete opposite. Dana has been very good to Anderson.”

“I can guarantee you Anderson will not be retiring within the next year. He still has 6 fights on his contract.”

Seems as though we can put our fears to rest for now.