Anderson Silva admitted that he's seeing a psychologist in order to help him get over the fear of his gruesome leg injury in preparation for his bout against Nick Diaz.  

Silva is set to return to the Octagon on UFC 183, Jan.31 in a showdown against former Strikeforce welterweight champion Diaz. However, The Spider claimed that the injury he suffered 10 months ago still bothers him today.

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The 39-year-old Brazilian fighter broke his left tibia and fibula in a leg kick attempt against Chris Weidman on UFC 168. According to Silva, the memory of the December incident has prevented him from training to his full potential.

"I've worked with a psychologist so I can get rid of the ghosts of those horrible moments of that fight, when I had that accident. I'm a little apprehensive in training. I know I can execute the movement, but I end up not doing it for fear." said Silva in an interview with Brazil's Fantastico.

The former UFC champion admitted that he is physically fine but is still facing mental hurdles.

"I feel no pain at all," told Silva. "My strength is back because I'm back to training. The hardest part is self-confidence, to kick again as I used to."

"Yeah, I won't get hurt," Silva added. "I know I won't get hurt, but fear is natural. I don't want to feel that pain ever again. No way."

Silva said that his leg is at 91 percent and that he feels better returning to practice in Rio de Janeiro.

"I feel better training in Brazil. And, so I can be at my 100 percent to return to fighting, I'd rather train in Brazil."

Silva is considered as the greatest UFC champion in history with 16 consecutive victories and 10 title defense. However, he confirmed that he has no interest in reclaiming the belt he held onto for seven years.

 "The truth is, there will only be one Ayrton Senna, there will only be one Pele, and there will only be one Anderson Silva, so whoever saw me (as champion), saw me. Who haven't seen me (as champion), won't see it. In a way you'll see me (fight again), but not for the belt, that thing of being champion again. I don't have patience for this. I think I'm closer to retirement every day."

Dr. Marcio Tannure, Silva's doctor, told MMAFighting.com in June that Silva felt unsafe when kicking in training. He added that the said reaction was absolutely normal. 

Tagsanderson silva, UFC, MMA, nick diaz, Leg Injury