Anderson Silva May Have Two Fights Left, Could End Career With Jones Or St. Pierre Superfight

At 37-years-old, Anderson Silva isn't exactly the spring chicken he used to be.

It's commonly said that time waits for no man, and while his Octagon performances have yet to suffer, Silva's retirement could come sooner rather than later according to recent statements from UFC President Dana White.

"He's probably the greatest fighter in history," White said to ALFA (via Google translate). "But I think he has two more title defenses and (don't) know what is next, if he will retire."

While the news may surprise those who watched "The Spider" outclass Yushin Okami in his last outing, White went on to explain that Silva's age has affected his status outside of the cage, most specifically, his ability to recover from injuries. The middleweight's champion title defenses have become scarcer as the years have progressed, with Silva taking more time off to heal from lingering issues.

Silva is currently sidelined with contentious shoulder injury that has put the middleweight division on hold. He is expected back sometime in the summer of 2012.

When Silva does return, he will likely face the winner of Chael Sonnen vs. Mark Munoz. After which, provided he wins, White promised that the fabled champion wouldn't go out with a whimper, but a bang.

"He could end his career with a super fight. Against Jon Jones or Georges St. Pierre," White concluded. "Then he could take a boat and sail into the sunset."