Former UFC middleweight champion and arguably the greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all time Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva (33-6) has signed a 15-fight contract with the UFC.
Silva has been out of commission since last December following his rematch with Chris Weidman (12-0) at UFC 168, where the Spider suffered a broken leg in one of the most horrific injuries in the history of the UFC.
It was an injury that many thought would end one of the most iconic careers in MMA.
Much to the dismay of his family, Silva announced his desire to step back into the octagon, and agreed to a highly anticipated bout against Nick Diaz (26-9), which is scheduled to serve as the main event of UFC 183, on January 31 in Las Vegas.
Many were surprised to see the 39-year-old Brazilian decide to step back into the cage, and with a new 15-fight deal Silva could be a part of the UFC for the next decade or so depending on how often he competes.
Should Silva decide to retire before then, the UFC would allow him. The UFC has also been known to cut fighters on losing streaks before the end of their contracts, however they would be highly unlikely to cut such a high profile asset for their organisation.
Silva has not ruled out a third fight with Chris Weidman, who is scheduled to fight Vitor ‘The Phenom’ Belfort (24-10) in February next year.
The Spider’s upcoming fight against Diaz will show whether or not he still has the skill set to compete against world class competition.
Diaz will be moving up to 185 pounds for the middleweight bout, and has the biggest fight of the life ahead of him.
Although there is much cynicism regarding the Spider’s return, there is no doubt that UFC 183 has the potential to be one of the most watched events in the history of the organisation.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
He might, but I would not put money on it.
David
Guest
He won't last 15. I don't think so anyways.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Haha silva is a freak, but I agree, 15 fights seems very unrealistic.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Looks like a lot of people are ruling out a sub/ dec victory!
SilviO
Guest
See Silva winning by TKO but can't pick the round.
SilviO
Guest
15 more fights? I don't know what he's smoking but I want some of it :P
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Yeah I share the same worry, you see it happen way to often. I really do think Silva desperately needs the win. Anyone who fights Silva (if) he beats Diaz will be in for huge pay day and a lot of attention from the media. Many fighters will jump on the opportunity if given a chance to face the Spider.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Yep, huge call from Silva. It happens to most of them superstars, one too many fights, and I certainly hope Silva's amazing record doesn't get 'polluted' by too many blemishes. A fighter of his calibre can only accept top fights and am sceptical he can won most of them: silva v Weidman, silva v roy jones, maybe a Silva v GSP, Hendricks, Machida etc. I think everyone will want to match up with Silva now they have smelt blood. Next fight vs Diaz will tell us a lot about the new Silva.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
well we will see if silva has the confidence to throw any more leg kicks, think the contract could have also been put into place so silva doesnt fight with any organisation other than the UFC
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Anderson silva signs 15fight contract with the ufc Big risk with a glass leg for Dana and co I thought he was due to retire soon before he snap it in two If I was Diaz I'd just be kicking at it testing it out
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Yeah I agree it should be a tough one for the spider!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
I'm sure there are others who feel the same way! I personally see Silva winning a tough decision or a late TKO.
Abz
Guest
Don't see Diaz winning but I do see it being hard for Silva!
ChunPanky
Guest
Am I the only person who thinks Diaz is going to win?
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
It is a clever business move, but nothing is stopping him from retirement then going back, or finding a way to get himself cut from the UFC. I don't think either of those things will happen (and there probably is something in that contract to stop him from doing so, so who knows), and I think he is loyal to the UFC. But I just have got to say... if somehow he manages to fully fight a fifteen fight contract, I would be amazed.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
We will wait and see how far he gets!
DJ
Guest
he signed for 15 fights so the UFC know FOR SURE he wont ever fight for another organisation...
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
I guess we will have to wait and see how it goes!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
So will I, as I do every time Silva fights haha!