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Anderson Silva’s boxing coach sees a longer career for the ‘Spider’ in the ring.

Anderson Silva’s boxing career is seemingly far from being a one-and-done kind of venture. After beating former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. via split decision, the ‘Spider’ might be well on his way to more fights in the ring, at least according to his coach Luiz Dorea.

The man responsible for sharpening Junior dos Santos’ hands back when he was an up-and-coming heavyweight, Dorea told Super Lutas about his and Anderson’s plans involving boxing. Although no official opponents have been confirmed following the win over Chavez, Luiz guarantees there is no shortage of proposals following the impressive feat.

“We have lots of proposals. We had some before the win and now we have others. For now, Anderson wants to rest, then he will see what he’s going to do. He will still bring us a lot of joy in boxing. He’s excited. There’s this wonderful energy. He’s so happy. He made Chavez look small.”

“I was really happy, but not surprised.” Dorea continued. “I’ve been working with Anderson for 18 years. His skills are above average. I’ve had Anderson fight professional boxing matches in Bahia (Dorea’s home state in Brazil). He won by knockout. He’s well-rounded, but his boxing is above average.”

Before his return to boxing, Anderson (34-11-1 NC) had parted ways with the UFC on a three-fight losing skid, with defeats to Uriah Hall, Jared Cannonier and Israel Adesanya. The 46-year-old’s sole win in his past nine fights happened in February 2017, when he defeated Derek Brunson via unanimous decision.

Nate Diaz mocked Kamaru Usman’s upcoming fight. The UFC champion responded.

Nate Diaz returned to the Octagon this month after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. In his comeback fight, at UFC 263, he lost a decision to Leon Edwards, despite having the Brit in trouble in the fifth and final round.

Prior to the fight Diaz told anyone who would listen that, no matter the result against Edwards, he saw himself fighting for the welterweight title soon. Yesterday he took to Twitter to poke at the incumbent champion Kamaru Usman.

“Who dis guy fighting next? Someone he already koed,” wrote Diaz referring to Usman’s upcoming defence to Colby Covington. Usman defeated Covington by TKO in 2019, breaking his jaw in the process.

Usman was quick to respond, asking Diaz to contact UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell to arrange a date. “I see you 209. If you really want this 187 then call your boy hunter,” he wrote.

Diaz then fired back. “Ur locked down you do what ur told to do like a good champion,” he wrote above a picture of a bloodied and swollen Covington.

Usman again responded, doubling down on his advice that Diaz get in touch with Hunter Campbell.

“Key word “CHAMPION” lol. All you guys just internet tough guys nowadays. Like I said if you really want this pressure then holla at your boy hunter”.

The date or location for Usman vs. Covington 2 has not yet been announced. If it goes ahead this will be the second rematch Usman has faced in a row. At UFC 261 ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ faced Jorge Masvidal, who he defeated back at UFC 251 in 2020. In their most recent fight Usman KO’d Masvidal in the second round.

In addition to title defences versus Covington and Masvidal, Usman has also defeated Gilbert Burns. He won the welterweight crown by beating Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in 2019. He is currently undefeated in the UFC with a 19-1 overall record.

Diaz remains one of the most popular fighters in the sport. That’s despite his win-loss record over his past 10 contests being 4-6. That run began with back-to-back losses to Benson Henderson and Josh Thomson in 2012 and 2013. He beat Gray Maynard by TKO in 2013 and was then beaten by Rafael dos Anjos the following year.

After beating Michael Johnson in 2015, Diaz landed a short notice fight versus then UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor. Diaz famously won the bout, a non-title welterweight affair, by second round submission. Diaz then lost a split decision to McGregor when they rematched a few months later.

In 2019 Diaz returned from a three year absence to defeat Anthony Pettis at UFC 241. He then lost to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244, due to a cut.

Cesar Gracie gives an update on Nick Diaz’s next possible career move.

Much has been said about Nick Diaz’s UFC return after six years on the sidelines. Talks first surfaced in late 2020 and carried on in the succeeding months. Nothing was ever finalized.

Dana White, who was initially dismissive about Nick’s return plans, eventually became more optimistic about it. Just a few weeks ago, the UFC president revealed some “promising” progress in the negotiations as he expects the elder Diaz to be back in the Octagon in 2021.

But the recent updates from the Diaz camp seem to say otherwise. Cesar Gracie, a long-time mentor to both Nick and Nate, sent this text message to MMA Fighting.

“We were looking at September. I have to see where he is in his contract. It is possible that his next fight will not be in the UFC.”

So if Diaz won’t be fighting in the UFC, what else could be in store for him in terms of his fighting career? Cesar Gracie also has an answer to that.

“Nick is very open to take a fight in MMA or boxing.”

The 37-year-old Diaz (26-9, 2 NC) last saw action at UFC 183 against Anderson Silva, a fight that was ruled a No Contest due to drug test failures on both men. He’s so far had quite a colorful time while on hiatus and even got himself a new gig.