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5 Reasons Why Anderson Silva Will Have Successful UFC Return

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Anderson Silva: 5 Reasons Why UFC Return Will Be Successful

Anderson Silva speaks at UFC press conference
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson Silva is scheduled to make his UFC return in January 2015 against Nick Diaz at UFC 183. There are many open questions regarding Silva ahead of his comeback, but there really shouldn't be any worries surrounding the man who reigned as middleweight champion for almost seven years. Silva is returning on the back of a horrific leg break, but if anybody is capable of the climb back to the top of the UFC tree, it's the ''Spider.''

5. Not The Deepest Division Around

Anderson Silva ready to fight
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5. Not The Deepest Division Around

Anderson Silva ready to fight
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Whilst every division in the UFC tends to be deep and has a variety of interesting matchups to be made, the middleweight division is not one of them. The climb back up will still be difficult for Silva, but with the division as it currently is, and the name that Silva still has, it won't be too long before Silva is back in the very biggest fights in the division.

4. Favorable Opponent For Return Bout

Nick Diaz fights Georges St. Pierre
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

4. Favorable Opponent For Return Bout

Nick Diaz fights Georges St. Pierre
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Diaz is a good fighter, but after losses to Georges St. Pierre and Carlos Condit (170 pounds) in his last two fights, going up against the much larger Silva at 185 pounds could be a bit of a problem. Not for Silva, though, who will not only have a size advantage, but also a smaller opponent who will more than likely be willing to have the standup fight that Silva likes.

3. Versatility

Anderson Silva during fighter introductions
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

3. Versatility

Anderson Silva during fighter introductions
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Due to Silva's obvious fondness for having a fight on the feet, it can be easy for some to forget that he is extremely dangerous on the ground also. As Silva advances in age, and his reflexes and hand-speed diminish as you would expect, he still has his Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai to fall back on in any fights where he feels he needs them.

2. Fresh Targets

Anderson Silva makes his entrance to the octagon
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

2. Fresh Targets

Anderson Silva makes his entrance to the octagon
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

One of the things that separates the great fighters from the legends is the mindset they have. Anderson Silva is strong, confident and determined mentally, and after an almost seven-year reign as champion, a Silva with renewed motivation and goals to aspire to can be a dangerous man to have to deal with.

1. Confidence

Anderson Silva at weigh in for fight with Chris Weidman
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

1. Confidence

Anderson Silva at weigh in for fight with Chris Weidman
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The one thing you cannot question when it comes to Anderson Silva is the very thing he is going to need most for his comeback: confidence. After the leg break which Silva suffered against Chris Weidman, most people wouldn't even want to think about throwing another kick, never mind making a return to the octagon. Silva is doing that, though, and the Brazilian will need all of his self belief to succeed on the back of the injury and two defeats.