Former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion Anderson Silva will return to the Octagon when he collides with Nick Diaz on Jan. 31 at UFC 183 in Las Vegas.

UFC president Dana White announced the fight on ESPN SportsCenter on Tuesday, saying that the fight will be a 185-pound bout for five rounds and will headline UFC 183.

Silva has been inactive since sustaining a horrific leg injury during his rematch against Chris Weidman in December last year, but has already secured a medical clearance to return to the Octagon.

"The greatest off all-time Anderson Silva is back," White announced. "His doctor gave him clearance to fight. The fight the fans have been waiting for, the fight the fans have been screaming for. Also back is Nick Diaz so we have made Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz Jan. 31 in Las Vegas. It will be the main event and it will be five rounds."

Silva sustained a broken fibula and tibia in his left leg, which put his career in jeopardy. The 39-year-old Brazilian underwent surgery after the fight and has been rehabilitating over the past six months.

When asked about Silva's current condition, White said that the former middleweight kingpin is in good condition and has been regaining his confidence, particularly with his kicks.

"We just literally made this fight five minutes ago," White said. "Anderson Silva feels great. He's facing a 13-month layoff -- a lot of fighters are off 13 months before they fight next. He is 100 percent healthy, kicking again and chomping at the bit to get back in the Octagon."

On the other hand, Diaz has not fought since his unanimous decision loss to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 158 in March 2013. Diaz announced his retirement after the fight allegedly because of contract dispute.

The former Strikeforce welterweight champion recently signed a new deal with UFC, but reiterated that he is only interested in big fights. White believes that a return bout against Silva, who is considered as the greatest UFC fighter of all time, is the kind of fight Diaz wants.

"Nick Diaz is a very popular fighter as it is. If he comes back and beats Anderson Silva, he could fight for the title. He's right there," Diaz said.

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