On Saturday, former middleweight champion Anderson Silva returns to the Octagon for the first time since his devastating leg injury in December 2013 at UFC 168. Many thought Silva's career was over, but the Brazilian fighter who holds records in knockouts, striking accuracy and title victories is ready to fight again.
Below is an list of elite athletes to return from injury to reclaim their spots.
2012: Mariano Rivera, ACL injury
New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera was already the greatest closer in Major League Baseball history when he tore his ACL and meniscus before a May 2012 game. With his career in question, Rivera returned for the 2013 season. He saved 44 games and finished his career with 652 saves.
2011: Peyton Manning, neck injury
After four Most Valuable Player awards and a Super Bowl ring, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning suffered a neck surgery and missed the entire 2011 season. Manning signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012, brought them to the Super Bowl in 2013 and earned another MVP award.
1993: Mario Lemieux, back injury/diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma
Pittsburgh Penguins franchise player Mario Lemieux had won two Stanley Cups and scored almost 500 goals by the time he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and underwent back surgery. Lemieux retired from the NHL in 1997 but returned in 2000 to lead the Penguins both on the ice and in the owner's box.
1986: Joe Montana back injury
Joe Montana had surgery for a spinal disc injury that was so severe, doctors felt he should retire. Despite the diagnosis, Montana returned to his position as starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and went on to win two more Super Bowls and a record-setting third Super Bowl MVP.