Saturday evening, UFC 183 saw a legend return from one of the most brutal injuries in the history of the company. Anderson Silva came home to the UFC Octagon to face Nick Diaz, a fan favorite with good toughness and the skills to hand.
The fight was an exciting five-round contest which showcased Silva's world-class skill and Diaz's determination, grit and willingness to throw down. When it was all said and done, Silva took a five-round unanimous decision over Diaz, earning his first win since losing the UFC Middleweight Championship to Chris Weidman two fights ago.
With that, we will see where Silva goes from here. He is almost 40, and one would not be surprised if there are not a lot of fights left in the gas tank.
Here are three fights Silva can take next in the aftermath of UFC 183.
Georges St-Pierre
It's been talked about forever, and it's almost at a point where you should be smacked with a leather glove and challenged to a duel if you mention the idea of Anderson Silva vs. Georges St-Pierre. However, it would actually be the perfect swan song if both guys want to walk away from the sport for good.
Now, I am not implying that Sliva should retire; far from it. However, given his age and family, I don't think he has much time left as an active mixed martial artist.
As for St-Pierre, he stepped away from the sport a while back, and we don't know if he will ever fight again. If he did, it would have to be a marquee fight that's worth his time and effort.
So I say, yes, it actually is time for Silva-GSP to happen. St-Pierre can go back to retirement afterwards if he wants, and Silva can make his decision to go out fighting his greatest opponent of all time or continue his journey in the cage.
Vitor Belfort
Vitor Belfort was scheduled to main event UFC 184 opposite UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, but Weidman got injured, and Belfort is down crap river without a paddle. Perhaps the most important rematch of his career would entice him to not sit out and wait for Weidman.
If you remember, which I am sure you do because of its notoriety, Silva and Belfort fought a few years ago with Silva was champion and Belfort was touted as a big threat to his title reign. However, the fight ended quickly with one of the best knockouts in the history of the sport, as Silva decapitated his foe with a gorgeous front kick.
It was a kick that has been played on highlight reels since. It is a kick that has changed the game and had fighters quickly learning the proper technique so they can include it in their repertoire.
I am certain Belfort would like a chance at redemption. Perhaps dangling this fight in the interim while Weidman heals up could force his hand to fight.
Thales Leites
This one is kind of a dark-horse candidate for Silva's next match, but it could work given the circumstances.
Silva and Thales Leites met a long time ago during Silva's reign of terror as the UFC middleweight champion. It wasn't a close match, and Silva clowned his fellow Brazilian the entire fight.
Since then, Leites has greatly improved. This has been seen in his latest UFC run, a string of victories that culminated in a submission win over Tim Boetsch last night on the main card.
This fight makes sense just based off the fact that Leites has improved so much. It would be a shot at redemption against a man who thoroughly embarrassed him in their first encounter.
