The greatest fighter in UFC history, Anderson Silva, won a controversial decision over Derek Brunson at UFC 208 on Saturday night. Afterward, the 41-year-old was all smiles.

I am so happy, said Silva as transcribed by Chuck Mindenhall for MMA Fighting. I am so happy because first of all I love fighting. Second, sometimes when people talk to me and say, ‘why don’t you stop? You don’t need to prove nothing anymore,’ and I respond, ‘because this is my heart. Fighting’s my life.’

And when you go inside the cage I’m back to when I was 30 years old, and just happy. And I just stay happy, because this is my life.

Silva also acknowledged that time is a thing, noting the third round was tough, particularly the final 90 seconds, when he was unable to get off his back.

I’m old, he said. I’m very old.

Yeah, the last round. The last round I say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m an old man now. Jesus Christ.’ But I think, this is not important. Because when I go inside a cage, I don’t care — 41, 42, 43 — I just put my heart into it. That’s all.

My next step is Dana, thank you. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to fight again, and now I go back home.

I just wait for my next challenge inside the cage. But for now I need to rest a little bit. I’m old.

It was Silva’s first win since UFC 153 on October 13, 2012 when he stopped Stephan Bonnar with a knee to the body, and extended the UFC record for most consecutive wins, with 16.

Silva said he might even fight at UFC 212 in June.

I’m just happy,” he repeated. “When I put my legs inside, and when I walk into the cage, I think, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m back to fight. Thank you God.’