Anderson "The Spider" Silva is almost 100 percent healthy and is set to make a return to the Octagon.
In an article by Bleacher Report, Dana White, President of the UFC, made the big announcement that Silva will be facing Nick Diaz on January 31, 2015.
A fight between Silva, former middleweight champion in the UFC, and Diaz, former welterweight champion in Strikeforce, has been anticipated by fans since 2012. Diaz is also making a big comeback which makes the fight even more exciting.
Silva lost twice against Chris Weidman at UFC 162 and UFC 168. In their second match, Silva broke his shin while throwing a leg kick against Weidman's knee, damaging his tibia and fibula. Silva is arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time and people initially thought that the 39-year-old's devastating injury marked his official retirement from the sport. Silva, however, remained adamant that he was going to return. He trained earlier than his doctors expected after his surgery.
According to ESPN, Diaz last fought and lost against George St-Pierre in March 2013. He also lost to Condit before that. Late in July 2014, Diaz, who has fought professionally for 13 years, signed a contract with the UFC for three fights. Diaz previously said that he only wanted to be pitted against marquee fighters that will give him a shot at a UFC title.
Dana said about the Silva-Diaz fight, "Nick Diaz is a very popular fighter as it is. If he comes back and beats Anderson Silva, he could fight for the title. He's right there. It would be a huge, huge win for him" He added about Silva, "We just literally made this fight five minutes ago. Anderson Silva feels great. He's facing a 13-month layoff - a lot of fighters are off 13 months before they fight next. He is 100 percent healthy, kicking again and chomping at the bit to get back in the Octagon."
Silva has a professional record of 33-6 which is the longest winning streak in the UFC before his loss to Weidman, who now has a record of 12-0. Diaz has a professional record of 26-9 with 1 no-contest. The fight between the two will be a middleweight match at UFC 183, which headlines the UFC pay-per-view card on Super Bowl weekend. The venue is yet to be announced.