UFC 148: Anderson Silva retiring with win over Chael Sonnen? Not a chance

It looks like Roy Jones Jr. will have to wait a little bit longer.

That's because UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is not going anywhere.

When asked at the UFC 148 press conference about a rumor going around that he would retire if he were to defeat challenger Chael Sonnen for the second time this Saturday night (July 7, 2012) in Las Vegas, Nevada, "The Spider" had a very simple one word answer:

"Nope"

With all the hype surrounding the Brazilian legend, it's easy to forget that Silva just turned 37 years old a couple months ago and has been fighting professionally since 1997.

Granted, this isn't the first time that Silva has squashed retirement rumors. Just last October, the record-breaking UFC striker told Tatame that he'd be interested in fighting 'another six or seven years."

Who knows, perhaps we've got another Dan Henderson or Randy Couture before our very eyes.

Silva will be looking to defend his UFC middleweight title for a record 10th time this weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

"The Spider" has gone a ridiculous 14-0 since thrashing the iron-chinned Chris Leben in his UFC debut back in 2006 and followed that victory up by capturing the middleweight crown from Rich Franklin.

Mixed in with all his impressive title defenses have been two stints at light heavyweight which included a first round destruction of former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin back at UFC 101.

If Silva keeps his word and is sticking around for a long time, what else would you like to see him accomplish inside the Octagon?

Does he have anything left to prove if he can beat Sonnen again?