Call UFC 183 the “It’s About Time” card.
It’s about time the greatest MMA fighter in history jumps back into the Octagon. It’s about time the erratic, unpredictable personality of Nick Diaz does the same.
There are no straps on the line Saturday night. There doesn’t need to be, either—The Spider sells a card on his own. It doesn’t hurt that the co-main event features Tyron Woodley and Kelvin Gastelum or that Al Iaquinta and Joe Lauzon will get down to business in brutal fashion.
The card feels like a long time coming. Top to bottom, relevant fights that will rearrange the ladder in most divisions as well as end or jump-start career trajectories litter the card.
It makes for one unforgettable night as UFC goes head to head with football and other events.
UFC 183 Full Card and Predictions
Top Storylines to Watch
Bantamweight Showdown
Ronda Rousey awaits.
While a preliminary bout, few showdowns exude more importance than the encounter between Miesha Tate and Sara McMann.
McMann is hot on the comeback trail after a loss about a year ago to Rousey, thanks to a triumph over Lauren Murphy. Tate rests in front of her on the totem pole for the time being, thanks to her stringing consecutive wins together.
Try not to forget that these two have traded verbal spars since Tate notched a win last September:
While the call-out oozes respect, McMann surely understands it is now or never.
At 34 years old, the Gaffney, South Carolina, native still does not meet expectations. Thanks to a silver medal from the 2004 Olympics, most figured McMann would take UFC by storm with her wrestling prowess, but so far, no dice.
If McMann is going to flip the switch, it needs to be now, especially against Tate, who at times is very susceptible to takedowns.
Rousey defends her title again at UFC 184. After that, who knows? There is no promise Tate or McMann will be next in line, but a dominant performance from either might just do the trick.
It’s About Time
The clock is ticking.
Both Silva and Diaz do not have all that long left
It is only natural, then, that legacy chatter rules the day when it comes to their showdown. Diaz is a loser of two in a row. After an extensive break, a win over Silva would do wonders as he fades from the spotlight.
Everyone knows Silva’s story at this juncture. He danced his way to a loss against Chris Weidman and then shattered his leg off a check in the rematch.
Recovery complete, The Spider tells Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports he is all business this time around.
“I’m faster, stronger and happier. And UFC is giving me one more chance to show my job and what I can do inside the Octagon. I go to work. [I’m going] to show you, for my fans … my talent.”
Diaz is the definition of a wild card, though. The controversial fighter who was suspended then dropped by Georges St-Pierre must make a swift adaptation Saturday night as he jumps weight classes to dance with Silva.
The implications are obvious. Diaz is a win-by-flurry kind of fighter who will stand in and take it on the chin if it means he lands shots too. He’s predictable, and the chance he loses speed after weight gain is very real, although the last thing anyone should do is count him out.
For Silva, his usual approach should do the trick. It always has when he’s not showboating or suffering freak injuries. If the legend has one more shot at a title and subsequent run in him, he needs his hand raised Saturday.
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