Sign up for a FloCombat Pro account for exclusive access to live-streamed MMA events, in-depth athlete documentaries and more!

Fight fans love a good brawl, and Chris Lytle spent his entire career giving the masses exactly what they wanted. And if “Lights Out” gets his way, he’ll give them one more for the ages.

The Indianapolis native’s 12-year career in mixed martial arts was one memorable scrap after the next, and his full-throttle style cemented him as a fighter to watch inside the Octagon. His willingness to engage with the opposition in the pocket also garnered a steady stream of post-fight bonus checks, two of which he earned in a memorable victory over Dan Hardy in Milwaukee to close out his career in 2011.

While Lytle has spent the past four years balancing family life with political ambitions, the desire to compete has never expired. The 41-year-old keeps a short list of dream opponents in the back of his mind, and now there's one matchup he's adamant about that could bring him out of retirement.

Lytle wants to throw hands with legendary knockout artist Wanderlei Silva and see who is left standing.

“Wanderlei Silva is a guy I’ve always wanted to test myself against,” Lytle told FloCombat. “He comes straightforward and he’s going to bang. That’s what I love about him. He’s not going out there looking to outpoint anyone. He’s going to stand toe-to-toe and try to take your head off. That’s the same way I fight, and I think we could put on an epic show for fight fans. He's signed with RIZIN and I love fighting in Japan so I think it makes a lot of sense.”

“The Axe Murderer’s” hard-charging style was an inspiration for Lytle during the early stages of his career, and the former Pride FC champion has never left his radar. Although it’s been more than four years since Lytle competed under the bright lights, the chance to trade leather with a fighter he considers a legend would provide the type of spark needed to bring him back to the fight game.

“I’ve always said it would take something special to get me out of retirement and back into the gym and a fight with Wanderlei Silva would do that,” Lytle said. “He brings an intensity and aggressiveness I’ve always admired. He comes in there to do damage and I’ve always beat people at their own game. If you are coming in there to knock me out you’re getting knocked out. Same way with submissions. If you come after me I’m going to get you.”

In addition to the challenge of returning to action after a lengthy layoff, Lytle is also interested in putting his mettle to the test. Silva forged a storied career on his ability to separate his opposition from their consciousness, and Lytle has the distinction of being a fighter who doesn’t wilt under fire.

“I’ve never been knocked out, and I don’t see it happening either,” Lytle said “I’ve always been the type of guy who wants to push the envelope and that’s quite a test right there. I want to test myself and I hope he feels the same way. Let’s see if he can take my punches and if he can take mine. Let’s see who is left standing when it’s all said and done.”