4o year old Anderson Silva has confirmed that he will participate in the Olympic Taekwondo tryouts.

The tryouts will start in beginning of 2016 and Silva will be competing at heavyweight. That gives him enough time to get back in shape.

The MMA legend is on suspension from the UFC for failed multiple PED tests.

He told journalists in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, as reported by Globo Esporte:

“I’m trying to give back what the sport has given me. I started out doing taekwondo, taekwondo changed my history. I’m already training, I never stopped. This is something I have always wanted to do. I couldn’t do it before because of my obligations with the UFC. I stopped training taekwondo when I was 17, so I know I will face adversities, but it’s a challenge I’m willing to take. I’m not worried about being embarrassed,”

Carlos Fernandes, the president of the Brazilian Taekwondo Confederation, said that it will be an honor to have the Spider participating in the trials but that he won’t receive any favors:

“We know about our champion’s potential. I understand he’s an icon and taekwondo was his first martial art. It’s an honor to have such an athlete with us. He has the right to participate, but so do all the other athletes”

What Anderson Silva has to say about his preparation:

“Guys I know that Iam completely out of form, as I haven’t trained for manny years, but I Am trying, and because of that Iam working very hard to get the rhythm back and do my best, because if I don’t do this, I will never know if I really can make it. I will train very hard like I always did and try to get a spot in the Olympics . Iam in another level, will need lots of work as the Olympic athletes are mainly super athletes , that are years ahead of everyone , but yes, I will leave my comfort zone and TRY!!! The worse that could happen is for me not to get a satisfactory result, but at least I will be sure that I tried!”