WOW. They are back. Two of the most popular names in MMA return to face one another as Anderson Silva meets Nick Diaz in their UFC returns on January 31, 2015.
Dana White announced the match-up Tuesday on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
“The greatest off all-time Anderson Silva is back. His doctor gave him clearance to fight. The fight the fans have been waiting for, the fight the fans have been screaming for.. also back is Nick Diaz so we have made Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz Jan. 31 in Las Vegas. It will be the main event and it will be five rounds,” White announced.
The matchup will take place at UFC 183 in Las Vegas as part of the promotion’s traditional Super Bowl weekend card and is understood to be at 185 pounds, Silva’s natural weight class.
The 39-year old Silva (33-6) had the longest UFC winning streak before losing 2 in row against Chris Weidman in 2013, losing mis Middleweight championship in the process as well as suffering a gruesome injury at UFC 168, breaking his left tibia and fibula.
“He’s 100 percent healthy, he’s kicking again and he feels great. He’s chomping at the bit to get back into the Octagon,” White said of Silva.
Diaz (26-9, 1 no-contest) gets back to action after he recently signed a three-fight contract extension with the UFC. The 30-year old former Strikeforce Welterweight champion last fought at UFC 158. He lost a five-round verdict to Georges St. Pierre in a Championship bout, shortly announcing his retirement following the loss.
“Nick Diaz is a very popular fighter. If he comes in and beats Anderson Silva, he could fight for the title. He’s right in there. It would be a huge, huge win for him,” White said of Diaz.
What do you make of this huge news. Both fighters are on a 2 fight losing streak and it seems incredible to think one of them will lose 3 in a row. Is Diaz too tough of a fighter for Silva to return to face after such a long layoff? Or has the Stockton native bitten off more than he can chew by agreeing to fight one of the greatest fighters of all time?
UFC 183 will take place on January 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A venue is to be confirmed.
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