Nick Diaz’s dream UFC match led to a five-year suspension despite memorable performance

Before Nick Diaz returned against Robbie Lawler, he fought a match with quite the reputation for different reasons.

It had been over a year since fans last saw Anderson Silva fight, after suffering that horrific leg break against Chris Weidman in their rematch.

What better way to reintroduce ‘The Spider’ than by pairing him up with another legend and crowd favourite like Diaz?

Diaz was never afraid to let his opponent get off first, but Silva was now much more hesitant to go on the offensive than before.

The fight produced just 185 significant strikes over five rounds, and Silva took the win by clean sweep on two of the scorecards.

The result was just one part of what became a pivotal moment for both men’s careers.

Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz both faced suspensions and fines after UFC 183

It wasn’t just the fight that drew attention, but what happened afterward. Both Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz failed drug tests following their bout.

Silva’s test came back positive for drostanolone metabolites and androsterone. Despite his camp offering explanations, he was hit with a one-year suspension, and the result was changed to a no contest.

Nick Diaz’s test flagged him for marijuana metabolites, marking his third offence.

This led to a hefty five-year suspension. However, after an appeal four months later, the ban was reduced to 18 months. Even so, it would be another six years before Diaz stepped back into the Octagon.