The following quotes and videos are from tonight’s UFC 183 POSTFIGHT SHOW on FOX SPORTS 1. The show was hosted by Jon Anik, withDaniel Cormier and Michael Bisping providing analysis. Ariel Helwani conducted interviews on-site.
UFC ON FOX analyst Daniel Cormier on how Anderson Silva beat Nick Diaz: “You knew these guys would put on a show. Right away Nick Diaz started taunting him, knowing if he got him taunting back, he could make a mistake. Diaz got some good work at the beginning of the fight. The key to the fight was Anderson Silva’s counter ability that slowed Diaz down, and he didn’t carry the type of the pace we’re used to seeing in a Nick Diaz fight. He was able to counter him and slow him down.”
Anderson Silva on making walk to Octagon: “I’m very emotional because for one year, I had no fight. I broke my leg. I recovered. Then, when people called my name, I said ‘God, thank you for everything.’”
Silva on if he wants to keep fighting: “This is me. When my son say ‘Stop, no more.’ I say, ‘This is my life, this is me, I’m a fighter. Sorry, I need to go.’ When I go into Octagon, this is my life. Now, let’s go to the next level.”
Silva if he’s going to retire: “I don’t know, maybe. I will talk to my family first. I think the new Anderson has come. I’m more comfortable, more in control. My mind is more conditioned for martial arts technique. Everything changes in my life now.”
Silva on fighting Nick Diaz: “I think Nick is a great opponent. I need to say thank you for a great show. Fantastic fight.”
UFC President Dana White on if he was happy with Silva’s performance: “I knew physically he‘d be fine. But mentally, I wasn’t sure. He wanted to get some rounds in. Diaz is a tough kid.”
White on if Silva will keep fighting: “Every time he talks to the press you wonder what happened? What did he say? Coming off an injury, he broke his shin in half. He came back from that. Anderson made it five rounds tonight.”
White on if the fight was scored correctly: “It was a tough fight to score. To not give Diaz one of those rounds is crazy.
White on if Vitor Belfort will still fighting at UFC 184: “I’m still talking to Vitor Belfort. I pulled together this fight with Lyoto Machida and Lyoto agreed take it, but Vitor didn’t want it. It surprised me. I have another fight I’m offering to Vitor so we’ll see what happens.”