Anderson Silva is one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. He's been around the organization in some capacity or another since 2007, and he holds the all time record for longest title defense, winning 10 matches over more than a six year period.

Is Silva Feeling Pain in His Leg Before UFC 183?

However, you won't get a sense of any of that history if you talk to Silva about his upcoming January 31 bout versus Nick Diaz at UFC 183. Instead, Silva is treating his match like a rookie might.

“I’m very happy to be back because I [didn’t] fight for one year. Now I’m very excited because it’s my legacy, it’s my dream,” Silva said this week, via the MMA site SherDog.com. “The new Anderson’s back. The UFC gave me one more chance for showing my skills."

Anderson Silva Defends LGBT Rights in MMA

“My focus now is the fight with Nick,” he continued. “[It's like] I’m starting my career in the UFC. This is my first fight in the UFC in my mind.”

Watch a promo of Silva's 'first fight' vs. Nick Diaz below