UFC 183: Silva returns with UD win over Diaz; watch highlights

The wait is over.

After more than one year recovering from a broken leg, Anderson Silva returned to the octagon to face Nick Diaz in the main event of UFC 183, this Saturday, January 31, in Las Vegas.

He was not the full blown showman we are all used to see, but the playfulness was there and also the effectiveness to strike the opponent.

Nick Diaz proved to be no deadbeat adversary and made Silva work for the win after five rounds.

The two fighters stood up the whole 25 minutes and Diaz’s face at the end was the best testimony of how much more efficient Silva was to land his punches and kicks.

Here are the highlights of the match.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H-AjBqcyGo

Here is Anderson Silva commenting on his comeback.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAkwV6-1vA4

Here are the full results for the night.

UFC 183: Silva vs. Diaz

Main Card

Anderson Silva def. Nick Diaz by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

Tyron Woodley def. Kelvin Gastelum by Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Al Iaquinta def. Joe Lauzon by TKO (Punches) 3:34 of R2

Thales Leites def. Tim Boetsch by Submission (katagatami) at 3:45 of R2

Thiago Alves def. Jordan Mein by TKO (Strikes) at 0:39 of R2

Prelims

Miesha Tate def. Sara McMann by Majority Decision (29-28, 29-27, 28-28)

Derek Brunson def. Ed Herman by TKO (Punches) at 0:36 of R1

John Lineker def. Ian McCall by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Rafael Natal def. Tom Watson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Diego Brandao (18-10) vs. Jimy Hettes (11-2) – CANCELLED

Ildemar Alcantara def. Richardson Moreira by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Thiago Santos def. Andy Enz by TKO (Punches) at 1:56 of R1