UFC 183: Anderson defeats Diaz in a warm fight and returns to winning ways

A. Silva (right) defeated N. Diaz (left) in his return to the UFC after a serious leg injury.

Anderson Silva returned to MMA with victory in the early hours of this Sunday (1st), in the main fight of UFC 183, held in Las Vegas, in the United States. The Brazilian, who hadn't fought for over a year due to the fracture he suffered in his leg in 2013, overcame Nick Diaz in the judges' decision and achieved his first victory in the octagon since October 2012.

The fight, however, ended up not exciting the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. With a lot of study and provocations on the part of the American, Anderson did not present the same forcefulness as in the old days, while Diaz did not attack much either. The actions remained in the exchange at all times – Diaz tried to take him to the ground only once, without success – and the Brazilian, with no problems kicking with his injured left leg, made the difference with more attacks, which came to open a large injury to Diaz.

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After five rounds of heated fighting, which included boos from the public at times, Anderson was named the winner by unanimous decision from the judges (50 to 45, 50 to 45 and 49 to 46). Shortly after the announcement of his victory, the Brazilian collapsed in the octagon, crying profusely.

"Thanks God. Thank you for giving me another chance to be here. I thank my family, my children and my true friends. I've been doing this for a long time and it's the first time I've caught a fighter who is so mentally strong”, said the Brazilian, after the fight.

Diaz said he did not agree with the judges' decision. “I felt like I won every round. I love Anderson, he’s a great guy, but I don’t think the judges liked my stance,” he said.

The fight

The fight started in a surprising way for those watching. Diaz, who respected Anderson during all the pre-fight interviews, left the cordiality outside the octagon and started making several provocations. At certain moments, the North American even turned his back to the Brazilian and lay down in the middle of the octagon.

Despite the provocations, the fight had little effect in the first round. Diaz landed good punches on Anderson, who responded especially at the end of the first five minutes. After the bell sounded, “Spider” tried to greet Diaz, who turned his back and ignored the Brazilian.

The second round began with the Brazilian fans present in Las Vegas cursing the North American fighter. Diaz landed low kicks and the Brazilian responded with his left leg. The American tried to take him down, but Anderson defended him.

With just over three minutes of action, the fight took a slight turn for the worse. Anderson landed a good kick to the ribs, with Diaz landing punches in response. The former champion caught the American in the clinch, accepting the blows that Diaz applied as a retort. At the end of the round, Diaz attacked “Spider”, being restrained by the referee.

Cordiality was left outside the octagon at UFC 183. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

In the third period, Anderson began to bother the American with side kicks to the knee. Diaz, passive, took no initiatives other than provoking. Anderson even tries plastic strikes, such as flying knees and spinning kicks, but everything goes to waste.

The fourth round began with Diaz dominating the center of the octagon, leaving Anderson surrounding him. The North American landed good low kicks, while “Spider” responded with side kicks to the knee. Anderson tried to repeat the kick that knocked him out Vitor belfort, in 2011, but it passed in vain. In the final moments, the first boos began to appear at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Before the final five minutes, Anderson's corner asks the athlete to fight seriously. Anderson tries to take initiative, but doesn't hit long sequences. Diaz responds with low kicks, while Anderson counterattacks with punches. The North American is bothered by a cut over his left eye, and the fight ends without much effect.

UFC 183 results:

MAIN CARD

Anderson Silva derrotou Nick Diaz by unanimous decision of the judges;

Tyron woodley derrotou Kelvin Gastelum by split decision of the judges;

To the fifth derrotou Joe lauzon by technical knockout in R2;

Thales leites defeated Tim Boetsch via submission in R2;

Thiago Pitbull defeated Jordan Mein via TKO in R2;

PRELIMINARY CARD

Miesha Tate derrotou Sara McMann by majority decision of the judges;

Derek Brunson defeated Ed Herman via TKO in R1;

John Lineker defeated Ian McCall by unanimous decision;

Rafael Sapo defeated Tom Watson by unanimous decision of the judges;

Diego Brandao x Jimy Hettes – Fight cancelled;

Ildemar Marajó defeated Rick Monster by split decision of the judges;

Thiago Marreta defeated Andy Enz via TKO in R1;