Dec 28, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Anderson Silva reacts after breaking his leg on a kick to Chris Weidman (not pictured) during their UFC middleweight championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Former long time Middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, is widely considered to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time. He is undoubtedly the greatest UFC champion to ever step foot inside of the Octagon, and one of the greatest tacticians the sport has ever seen. Not only were his accomplishments so astonishing, but Anderson came off as a humble, respectful, and kind champion. That is why it was so difficult for MMA fans to watch Silva break his leg at UFC 168.

The event was easily the most hyped in history. The longtime Middleweight champion was returning against the only man to ever defeat him inside the Octagon, Chris Weidman. The first round did not go well for Silva, as he was dropped in the clinch by Weidman early. Silva survived to see the second round, but when he threw one of his ferocious leg kicks, Weidman checked it perfectly. What resulted was one of the most horrific and gruesome injuries ever sustained inside the Octagon. Silva’s shin collided with Weidman’s knee, subsequently snapping it in half. As Silva screamed in agony on the Octagon floor, many believed this would be the unsavory end to his legendary career.

Just two days ago, MMA fans were amazed to see Anderson Silva back inside the gym without crutches. The longtime Middleweight champion, who swore he would return to the Octagon, looked to be well on his way in rehab. Today, Silva’s progress has hit another level. A video of Silva walking down stairs without crutches was released today:

Obviously this is fantastic news, and Silva seems to be healing nicely. Be warned, however, that there is still a long way to go before we see Silva back inside the Octagon. Dana White is convinced that Silva will fight in 2014.