Former long-reigning UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva shot down rumors of a late return this year, stating that he is aiming for a fight sometime in the first half of 2015.

"These rumors that I’ll fight at UFC 181 or any other event around that date aren’t true," Silva told Brazilian media outlet Combate (translation per MMA Fighting). "This year is over for me. There’s a chance I’ll fight in the first half of 2015."

Silva suffered a brutal leg break when he threw a hard leg kick that was checked by current middleweight titleholder Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in December.

The injury, which saw the bone pierce through the skin, left “The Spider” requiring immediate surgery to repair a broken left tibia and fibula.

Against all odds, Silva was able to resume training within eight weeks, focusing on strength and conditioning and grappling.

More recently, the legendary Brazilian competitor has posted Instagram videos of him hitting pads and rolling hard at no gi jiu-jitsu practice.

While his recovery appears to be way ahead of schedule, the 38-year-old (whose birthday is next month) looks like he’s opting to play it safe and not return too soon.

Interestingly, Silva also stated he doesn’t believe he’s on the short list of 185-pound title challengers when he does come back.

"Anderson’s phase as the champion is over," he said. "Fighting for (the title) is a little far away from me."

Prior to his first loss to Weidman at UFC 162 in July, Silva has won 17 straight fights and set a UFC record with 10 successful consecutive middleweight title defenses.

Silva currently has nine fights remaining on his current UFC contract, though he also noted it is unlikely he will fulfill the complete terms of the deal.