Dec 28, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Anderson Silva reacts after breaking his leg on a kick to Chris Weidman (not pictured) during their UFC middleweight championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Dec 28, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Anderson Silva reacts after breaking his leg on a kick to Chris Weidman (not pictured) during their UFC middleweight championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. REUTERS

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Anderson Silva put on a show during the UFC 183 Open Workout but his opponent Nick Diaz missed the event. Silva revealed that he has no personal issues with Diaz but he felt bad for the fans who came to see him.

"The fans are the ones that missed out," Silva said through manager Ed Soares. "That's unfortunate, but ... he missed his flight or whatever he's got going on. It's just unfortunate for the fans."

UFC Vice President Dave Sholler earlier announced that Nick Diaz will not attend the UFC 183 Open Workout because he missed his flight from Sacramento, California to Las Vegas on Tuesday. According to Sholler, Diaz arrived at the airport but opted not to fly out due to unknown reasons. However, Sholler revealed that he is confident that Silva vs. Diaz will push through on Saturday. A penalty for his absence will be discussed by CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC President Dana White, Sholler added.

The Brazilian was not offended that his American opponent missed the event but he expressed his disappointment. According to the 39-year-old, his performance at the UFC 183 Open Workout had nothing to do with the absence of Diaz in the event. He said that he always put on a show like in every open workout that he does.

Meanwhile, manager Soares revealed that Silva has got into a point where he forgot what it was like not to be champion anymore. The 16 victories and 10 title defences, which were ended by Chris Weidman at UFC 162 on July 6, 2013, definitely made an impact to Silva, Soares said.

Soares thinks that Silva is in great shape and spirits for his return to the Octagon and he said that it is interesting to see an accomplished fighter return after a devastating injury. The comeback bout for both fighters will be in the five-round match at the UFC 183 on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

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