Video: Anderson Silva Back in the Gym at Team Nogueira, Showing Fancy Footwork

(Video courtesy of Zona de Ataque)

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has been cleared to return to sparring, as reported by MMAWeekly.com. Dr. Márcio Tannure, the medical director for the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission, on Friday cleared him to return to sparring for the first time since breaking his leg in a bout with current champion Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in December.

Silva got back in the ring over the weekend, working on his boxing, throwing hard punches and showing agile footwork at the Team Nogueira gym. He did not, however, throw any kicks.

After his training, Silva said that he can’t kick or jump yet, but reiterated that he fully intends to fight again next year. And he gave his scout’s honor, so you know he won’t break the promise.

“Quitting is taking an eternal defeat,” he said. “And at Team Nogueira, we never give up. Strength, honor, and determination are fundamental.”

It’s far too soon to lock anything into place, but Silva recently said that he would like to draw Nick Diaz out of retirement for his first fight back in the Octagon in 2015.