UFC 183: Anderson Silva defeated Nick Diaz by unanimous decision

Anderson Silva out-pointed Nick Diaz to win a unanimous decision at UFC 183.

The UFC legend was far from his free-flowing self as he returned from a year on the sidelines healing a broken leg suffered in defeat to Chris Weidman, but still did enough to out-point Diaz at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

There was no showboating from the 39-year-old Brazilian, as is his trademark, but he showed no ill effects from his previously injured left leg, throwing kicks at will.

But Silva couldn't demonstrate the finishing power that has earned him his place in UFC history as the greatest ever middleweight champion. His striking lacked snap, some of his head kicks were noticeably slow, and he didn't possess the speed to ever truly hurt Diaz.

Tentative

The opening round was characterised by Diaz's mind games. He immediately began talking to Silva, before lying on his back to goad the Brazilian, and finally turning his back on the Brazilian in disgust. 

Silva began kicking with his left leg in the second, overcoming one of the question marks coming into this fight, and by the end of the third Diaz's face was marked up.

The American offered little in return, constantly beaten to the first punch and never threatening to finish the fight in the fourth and fifth rounds when it was clear he was losing a decision.

Silva was declared the winner by all three judges by a 50-45 50-45 49-46 margin and broke down in tears before embracing current great Jon Jones at ringside.

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