Former UFC champion, and longest-reigning champion in the company’s history Anderson Silva, looks to be moving himself closer to a fight with Conor McGregor, telling TMZ he’s accepted McGregor's challenge of a fight when he returns from his one-year suspension.

McGregor has signalled his intention before to compete against Silva. During the build-up to his fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov the Irishman began to think about facing the Brazilian legend in the Octagon.

“You know what would be another great one? Anderson Silva,” McGregor proclaimed when asked about future opponents.

He then went on to explain his reasoning behind the fantasy bout, saying he only wants to fight people who interest him.

“I would be interested in an Anderson Silva bout. I swear to God. Anderson is a legend in the game.

“I’m going to do fights that interest me, or have meaning.”

Silva is currently serving a one-year suspension from USADA, that comes to an end on November 10, and he has told TMZ that he has already accepted McGregor's challenge to face him next.

Silva, 43, holds the record for the longest ever championship reign in the UFC, which stands at 2,457 days, starting in 2006 and ending in 2013, which included 16 consecutive victories.

“I’m waiting, because I accept the challenge from Conor McGregor,” said Silva to TMZ.

“I think Dana White needs to think about this, because it’s two big guys in this sport. Two big names, two big legends. And, why not?”

During an Instagram live video, the Brazilian Silva tried to grab the Irishman’s attention again, stating he is training hard and he is ready, despite not having discussed the fight with the UFC.

“I’m waiting for the UFC about my next fight, and I’m training hard,” the mixed martial arts star proclaimed.

“I accepted the challenge from Conor McGregor, but never (discussed) about this fight (with the UFC).

"But, I am ready guys, I’m here. I’m waiting for my next challenge.

"[Conor McGregor] is afraid to lose, supposedly, to an old man, but I’m here.”

It seems that the stage is set for the 43-year-old to take on perhaps the biggest draw in MMA right now, despite the 30-year-old's recent submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Time will tell whether Dana White and the UFC sanction the match-up, which is sure to be a great one.