Anderson Silva has been showing strong signs that he can make his return to the Octagon by the end of the year as his condition continues to improve dramatically.
After videos of Silva training in the gym surfaced online several weeks ago, the former UFC middleweight champion is already kicking with his surgically-repaired leg.
In the latest video, Silva, who sustained a gruesome leg injury during his rematch with Chris Weidman in December, was seen throwing kicks on a stability ball, while also appearing to be in perfect shape.
"I compare this first kicks to the joy of the birth of my first sons," Silva said in an interview with Brazilian outlet UOL.
Previous reports indicated that Silva could make his return before the end of the year or in early 2015.
UFC President Dana White also made the same assessment, but he clarified that Silva has to prove that he is in perfect condition before he will be allowed to fight inside the Octagon again.
Previous reports also suggested that Silva could face Roy Jones Jr. in a boxing match before making his UFC comeback.
Chael Sonnen Wants Third Fight With Brazilian MMA Icon
But while talks are centered on the boxing match with Jones and a possible rematch with Weidman, former top middleweight contender Chael Sonnen could be in the mix for Silva's comeback fight.
In a recent interview, Sonnen expressed desire to face Silva for the third time, saying that he is still itching to prove that he can win against the fighter considered as the greatest of all time.
"I want to have a third fight," Sonnen said, via Bloody Elbow. "I still want to beat him for some source of competition."
Sonnen said that he was envious of the attention Silva is getting, which was the reason why he tried to prove his doubters wrong during their first two showdowns.
"I was very envious of where Anderson was," Sonnen admitted. "I didn't think he was the best and I wanted to fight and beat him. I wanted to everybody know that. I wanted to win in a fashion that it was not even going to be close."
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