Silva: I’m old now, but …

Anderson Silva, the greatest fighter in UFC history, is going to fight Saturday for the first time since turning 40, live on UFC Fight Pass. His opponent in Michael Bisping.

Bisping was asked if Silva risked tarnishing his reputation by continuing to fight, but said that had already happened with the failed PED test.

His reputation is tarnished, said Bisping to John Morgan for MMAjunkie. Anderson Silva is an incredible fighter. I respect him as an opponent, but this is a guy that I looked up to at one time. I admired him. He was an inspiration to everybody in martial arts – not just me, but to everybody. And then to find out that he was cheating was disappointing.

However, the brilliant Brazilian isn’t concerned with tarnishing his reputation, he reports he is just looking for a challenge

I’m old now, said Silva, with a laugh. But I’m so happy because I’m back to doing my job. I’m back to working because this is me. I love fighting, and I love challenging myself.

Silva’s longtime manager Ed Soares was happy to address the G.O.A.T question.

I do think he is the greatest of all time, and I’m just happy to see how happy, motivated and focused he is, said Soares. It’s been a while since he’s been this way, and it’s just very refreshing to see how he is. A happy, motivated, focused Anderson is the most dangerous Anderson you’ll find.

Anderson has always told me, ‘I don’t think I’m the greatest. I just believe I can do things that people think are impossible.’ Right now, I believe the world thinks it’s impossible for him to possibly win this fight and even come back and get the title. I think that’s a big motivator, and I think if anybody can come back after everything that he’s been through and get that title back, it’s Anderson.