Silva vs. Diaz: The Pros Call the Fight

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The return of the two most beloved fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon takes place this Saturday night on Pay-Per-View. Everyone's favorite bad boy, Stockton's own Nick Diaz will face the best pound-for-pound fighter ever in Anderson Silva. The contest is considered a super-fight, as both competitors did not compete in the same weight class before this. Nick Diaz fought most of his career at welterweight, while Anderson fought at middleweight.

Since this match-up existed in the collective dreams of MMA fans for years before anyone thought it could exist in reality, the question of who will win is as just as exciting at it is difficult to answer. Over here at Fightland, we can't stop arguing about it, so we decided to ask a bunch of UFC fighters what they thought—hoping someone could bring some clarity to what will happen this weekend.



Roy Nelson (UFC heavyweight)

I think Silva vs Diaz is a fight that fans want to see because Nick is always fun to watch. He comes to fight. Anderson is coming off a gruesome leg break so fans want to know if has he made a full recovery. As a fight fan we are interested in fighters that fight not play tag like my little sister. As a true fighter I believe this fight has fireworks all over it because they both have something to prove and are always trying to finish fights. As a fan of any sport, I am looking for a clear and decisive win.



Yoel Romero (UFC middleweight)

It is a great fight for both fighters. They are some of the biggest name fighters in the UFC right now. It is going to be a spectacular show for the fans. Personally, I think Anderson is going to win. It is Anderson’s natural weight class and he is a more well rounded fighter. I don’t personally believe Nick has good enough wrestling to beat Anderson on the ground and Anderson is a more complete fighter overall.



Bethe Correia (UFC bantamweight)

"Will be a fight with a lot of striking and Anderson will win in the first round with a knockout. It's my bet!"



Tim Kennedy (UFC middleweight)

I am super excited about the matchup. Stylistically it is a dream fight for a fight fan. I just wish there is a way that we can influence them to work on the ground, and on their feet. The striking exchanges will be masterful, but for someone that appreciates the ground game, it could truly be one of the coolest fights to watch in the history of MMA if it took place on the mat.



Dennis Siver (UFC featherweight)

"Potential fight of the year 2015. I am very excited as I am a big fan of both fighters and hopefully Silva is back in shape. Result: so hard to tell, it’s an even match up, may the best man win, I cheer for both!"



Eddie Alvarez (UFC lightweight)

“I’m excited for the return of Nick Diaz more than Anderson. I think it’s a clash between two complete opposite styles and opposite characters. I think it’s a fight for the fans. Anderson wins by decision.”



Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson (UFC light-heavyweight)

“It’s a mismatch. Anderson should be able to eat him alive if he’s confident.”



Michael Johnson (UFC lightweight)

“I think it’s going to be a great fight; seeing two of the greatest fighters in a super fight and Anderson’s comeback fight couldn’t have been against a better opponent. I’m going with Anderson by KO.”



Ryan LaFlare (UFC welterweight)

“I love watching the Diaz brothers fight. They have a lot of heart and tenacity but they don’t take well to kickboxers. If Silva’s leg is close to 100%, it could be a leg kick clinic.”



Holly Holm (UFC bantamweight)

I am excited for this fight with Diaz and Silva.

I know some have wondered if Anderson Silva is losing motivation or heart for the sport. He has been around a very long time and he hasn't just participated, he has been on the top for years. I believe we are going to see a great Anderson in this fight. Following those last two fights, he wouldn't want to come back and not prove something. I believe he will come back stronger and more focused than we have seen in some time. He is already so skilled that he has made a career of making tough fights look easy.

With that being said, Diaz always comes to fight. He has had some amazing wins over great fighters including very impressive submissions. Diaz never backs down and always pushes the fight. He has a lot of heart and I see him going in to this fight with his "A game".

People love this sport because anything can happen. Anybody can walk away with a huge upset. So I truly feel either can take it. I do like to see big, unexpected wins in this sport, so I never count anybody out, but if I had to pick, I give the edge to Anderson considering his reach and skill.



Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson (UFC welterweight)

As much as I like and respect Nick Diaz and even after his devastating "leg break" loss to undisputed champ Chris Weidman, who I had the pleasure of helping out and barely surviving in his last three camps, I think Anderson's speed and skill will prevail. Anderson will be too big and fast with his precision striking!! BUT DO NOT underestimate Diaz!! He is a BAAAAAD BOY!! He fears no one and will come prepared!!



Rowdy Bec Rawlings (UFC strawweight)

I'm pumped for this fight, I'm excited to see Nick Diaz back in the cage & I think Anderson Silva has his work cut out for him :) This fight can go either way & that's what’s exciting about it but I've got my money on Diaz via the Stockton slap!!



Johny Hendricks (UFC welterweight)

"Anderson will win because Nick is very hittable. Nick lacks the fast twitch muscle fibre to compete with Anderson. Anderson is too precise and too fast for Diaz. Also, Diaz lacks the offensive wrestling to put Anderson down. Anderson via KO"



Jessica ‘Evil’ Eye (UFC bantamweight)

It's going to be an interesting fight and both fighters are legends in my eyes. I’d like to see Anderson Silva shoot for a takedown. I don't think I’ve seen him do that in the UFC. I’d like to see Nick throw more kicks similar to the way Aldo uses his to set up other things. This matchup will be a really cool difference of styles and it’s definitely a fight I'm looking forward to seeing.



Luke Barnatt (UFC middleweight)

Silva vs Diaz is the closest thing we've had to a superfight in the UFC for a LONG time! With Anderson’s recent injuries and two failed title fights against Chris Weidman this fight brings a new dimension for him. A fight that's not for a world title, but a chance to enjoy the experience with no pressures and accept the challenge that stands in front of him. Nick Diaz has been one of the most entertaining badasses in MMA ever, but with his obvious struggle following the process outside the octagon…missing press conferences etc, he's always been fighting an uphill battle.

The wider MMA audience believes it's too much of a challenge for Diaz to beat the GOAT, but in my opinion the challenge lies in Anderson’s hands. After two lacklustre performances and being on top of the world for the past seven years, his body and mind are not what they used to be. I feel he won't be able to pull the trigger and we will see the Stockton Slap make history with a vicious barrage of punches taking out the GOAT.



Gabriel Gonzaga (UFC heavyweight)

I think Anderson has everything to win. He has high-level boxing, a good level of BJJ, a good level of wrestling defense, and a masterful level of Muay Thai. Diaz has a good level of boxing, a high level of BJJ (for MMA), and a poor level of wrestling attack. By the odds, I pick Anderson Silva but let's see what his desire for the comeback is like.



Jeremy Stephens (UFC featherweight)

I love this fight because Nick Diaz and Anderson both bring it and they love to entertain and the fans win no matter what. Neither have a style that will stall the other out, so this should be as competitive as it gets. Anderson likes to have fun in his fights, but if he goes out there just to handle business, I see Anderson being able to pick Diaz apart on the feet for the finish. I don't see how it could go to the ground but if it does, I'll take Diaz for the finish. So the keys to victory for Anderson, keep it on the feet, and Diaz, to get it on the ground.



Erick Silva (UFC welterweight)

Anderson is training well, he has now returned to do a camp here in Rio de Janeiro, we have had the opportunity to train together and Anderson is very focused. He is gaining confidence in his legs, which was a major concern of the team. He is kicking very well and is gaining confidence every day. During the sparring and training sessions, he has shown confidence and security while kicking. Anderson is ready and eager to fight. I'm sure that this next fight will be good for his return. Here at the gym, he has the support of all of us, I'm sure that Anderson will return well and in great shape.

I wish Anderson a great comeback fight.



Bobby Green (UFC lightweight)

"Diaz all day!"

Check out these related stories:

The Path of Nick Diaz: Fighting the Hadouken Hitter

The Path of Anderson Silva: Fear the Knee Strike

The Importance of Anderson Silva's Return