Mixed martial arts fighter Anderson Silva says he will fight for a spot in the Brazilian taekwondo team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The announcement was made on Wednesday after a meeting with Brazilian taekwondo officials. Considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the history of mixed martial arts, Silva said he is 'trying to give back to the sport' in which he began his career. Anderson Silva met with Brazilian taekwondo officials  and will compete for a spot in the 2016 Olympics team . The former UFC champion said he is 'trying to give back to the sport' in which he began his career . Taekwondo confederation president Carlos Fernandes said it will be an 'honor for our sport to welcome an athlete of this importance.' However, he also made it clear that Silva will have to fight his way into the Olympics and won't be helped because of his UFC stardom. Silva is a taekwondo ambassador and a black belt in the sport. The former UFC champion tested positive for two steroids in an out-of-competition test Jan. 9, and also failed a test after his UFC victory over Nick Diaz on Jan. 31. The 40-year-old Brazilian posted a photo of himself via his Twitter page practicing taekwondo last week .
Anderson Silva met with Brazilian taekwondo officials on Wednesday . Silva is currently suspended by UFC after failing drug tests . However, the former UFC champion will fight for Olympics taekwondo spot .