The legacy of former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has multiple layers.

His incredible and incomparable rise from UFC newcomer to one of, if not the greatest MMA fighter of all time is a story that will be documented for years and years to come. This Saturday night at UFC 168, Silva (33-5 MMA, 16-1 UFC) will have the chance to add yet another layer to his tremendous career when he attempts to avenge his one and only UFC defeat to current 185-pound titleholder Chris Weidman (10-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC).

UFC champions have come and gone in almost every weight class during the organization’s brief existence, but the true legends of the sport are those who have come back to regain a title after losing it. With a win over Weidman inside Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, “The Spider” would become just the sixth fighter in UFC history to become a two-time champion in a single weight class, joining the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes, Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia and Cain Velasquez.

Silva knows what it takes to win inside the cage, and beyond that, he knows what it takes to win in a spectacular, jaw-dropping fashion. He is capable of pulling off moves in competition that most wouldn’t even risk attempting in sparring, and he does it effortlessly.

Every time the legendary ex-champion steps in the cage it is a monumental occasion for the sport, and with the most significant bout of his UFC career just around the corner, what better time than now to take a closer look at all the achievements Silva has under his belt thus far.

GENERAL STATISTICS

Currently ranked as the No. 2 middleweight in the world and the No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, according to the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA rankings.

At 38, is the second oldest active fighter in the UFC middleweight division behind Cung Le (41).

Including UFC 168, will have fought in the main event in 16 of his 17 UFC appearances.

His 16 career UFC victories are tied with Chuck Liddell and Couture for the third most wins in UFC history behind Hughes (18) and St-Pierre (19).

Holds the UFC record for most consecutive victories with 16.

His 13 UFC middleweight victories are tied with Yushin Okami for the most in UFC history.

His 11 UFC knockout victories are the most of any fighter in organizational history.

His 12 post-fight bonuses are tied with Joe Lauzon for the most in UFC history and his six “Knockout of the Night” awards are the most in history.

Holds victories over six former UFC, PRIDE or Strikeforce champions (Vitor Belfort, Forrest Griffin, Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt, Carlos Newton).

CHAMPIONSHIP STATISTICS

At 38, will become the second oldest fighter to compete in a UFC championship bout behind Couture, who fought for UFC gold at 45 years old.

His 13th UFC title fight will move him into third place all time behind St-Pierre (14) and Couture (15).

His 11 victories in UFC championship fights are second to St-Pierre, who has won 12 UFC title fights.

Holds the UFC record for consecutive title defenses with 10.

His 2,457-day middleweight title reign between Oct, 14, 2006 and June 6, 2013 stands as the longest championship run of any fighter in UFC history.

IN-FIGHT STATISTICS

His 67.5 percent significant striking accuracy is the highest rate of any fighter in UFC history.

His 78.9 percent takedown defense accuracy is the fifth highest in middleweight history.

Of his 16 UFC victories, has defeated his opponents by 12 different methods.

His 17 knockdowns landed in UFC competition are the most by any fighter in UFC history.

His seven knockdowns landed from the clinch position are the most for any fighter in UFC history.

One of just two fighters in UFC history to earn three knockdowns in a fight on two separate occasions. The other is flyweight John Lineker.

He is the only fighter in UFC history to force his opponent to submit to strikes from the bottom position. He accomplished the feat against Travis Lutter at UFC 67.

Has only fought past the second round four times in his UFC career and has only fought to a decision on two occasions.

Has only suffered one knockout loss in his 38-fight career.

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