Anderson Silva

By Kelsey Mowatt

Anderson Silva scored a victory in his long awaited return, but it remains to be seen if the legendary fighter will embark on the title run, Dana White has said a win would ensure.

Silva managed to outscore the extremely game, and always durable, Nick Diaz at UFC 183, but the victory was far from one sided. Early on, Silva certainly appeared to be rusty and hesitant, although, he could have just been processing the relentless taunting of Diaz. As the fight progressed, Silva settled in, and began to pepper Diaz with leg kicks and punches. Diaz kept coming throughout the fight, however, and never appeared to be in danger of getting stopped.

The former middleweight champ earned a unanimous decision win, but it was not the type of victory that appears to have left the MMA world buzzing. Even though Silva was fighting for the first time since he snapped his leg in December, 2013, while fighting reigning middleweight king, Chris Weidman.

Heading into UFC 183, White made headlines by saying Silva would secure a title shot, provided he beat Diaz. The former champ, however, hasn’t committed to another fight just yet.

While speaking to Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview, “The Spider” said he would have to talk to his family, before he decides his next move. Then, while talking to FOX Sports 1 after the card, Silva relayed the following (quote via FOX Sports press  release):

“I don’t know, maybe. I will talk to my family first. I think the new Anderson has come. I’m more comfortable, more in control. My mind is more conditioned for martial arts technique. Everything changes in my life now.”

“This is me. When my son say ‘Stop, no more.’ I say, ‘This is my life, this is me, I’m a fighter. Sorry, I need to go.’ When I go into Octagon, this is my life. Now, let’s go to the next level.”

Of course, Silva has been known to change his mind, and or, say perplexing things in terms of his career. It wasn’t that long ago that Silva said he had no interest in making another title run, and more recently, he said he did. At one point in his storied career, Silva said he wanted to retire at 35. Soon the Brazilian star will be 40. So, this is likely why White stated the following, when asked for his take on Silva’s plans.

“Every time he talks to the press you wonder what happened? What did he say?” White told FOX Sports 1. “Coming off an injury, he broke his shin in half. He came back from that. Anderson made it five rounds tonight.”

Silva did in indeed, and against one of the sport’s toughest and most talented fighters. Silva  appeared to remain calm throughout the bout, and perhaps this is what he was referring to, in terms of his mind being “more conditioned.” Whether Silva decides that this is the time to hang up the gloves, however, or “go to the next level”, we’ll likely soon find out.

UFC 183 was hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.