UFC
Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz officially set for UFC 183 on January 31, 2015
Jul 29, 2014 - 5:10:02 PM Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz officially set for UFC 183 on January 31, 2015

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz is happening.

UFC President Dana White announced on SportsCenter on ESPN News Tuesday afternoon that the fight is set, and it will happen on January 31 in Las Vegas at UFC 183.

Silva is making his return 13 months after snapping his leg against Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in December. He's been progressing at a rapid rate this year, but didn't want to rush his return back to the cage. He's ready to come back that weekend, though, and White got the deal done today.



As for Diaz, he hasn't fought in even longer, as he went into a self-imposed hiatus after his loss to Georges St-Pierre last year. He only wanted to return if he received a pay bump from the UFC, and if he got a rematch with GSP, a superfight with Silva, or some other major fight en route to a title fight. He signed a new deal with the UFC last week, and this fight seemed to be imminent.

Now, Silva's getting his wish of a Super Bowl weekend return, and the UFC has a highly intriguing fight on their hands for that weekend in Las Vegas.

Penick's Analysis: This is actually happening, and that's just fantastic. Without the title in play for a Silva fight, this fight makes more sense than it ever has, and even though it represents two fighters who have lost their last two bouts, that doesn't make it any less entertaining. These are two fighters known for their striking, not afraid to taunt their opponents in the midst of a fight, and who are sure to put together an excellent fight on January 31. This is highly welcome news.

[Nick Diaz art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]