Silva confirms he will try to compete in 2016 Rio Olympics

SAO PAULO (AP) – Mixed martial arts fighter Anderson Silva says he will fight for a spot in the Brazilian taekwondo team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The announcement was made Wednesday after a meeting with Brazilian taekwondo officials.

Considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the history of mixed martial arts, Silva said he is “trying to give back to the sport” in which he began his career.

Taekwondo confederation president Carlos Fernandes said it will be an “honor for our sport to welcome an athlete of this importance,” but made it clear that Silva will have to fight his way into the Olympics and won’t be helped because of his UFC stardom.

Silva is a taekwondo ambassador and a black belt in the sport.